Mono- and diglycerides boost lutein absorption in healthy adults
What it found
In 24 healthy adults, a single dose of lutein taken with mono- and diglycerides led to higher levels of lutein in the blood than the same dose taken with safflower oil.
The trial was randomised, double-blind and cross-over.
What they found
Studies in people
Higher blood lutein
The change in blood lutein from the start was significantly greater with mono- and diglycerides at 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 336 hours. The baseline-adjusted total exposure over 48 and 336 hours was also significantly higher.
Peak time unchanged
Lutein reached its highest blood level at 12 hours in both groups. At that point, the rise in blood lutein was 129% higher with mono- and diglycerides than with safflower oil.
Larger rise at 48 hours
At 48 hours, the change in blood lutein was 320% higher with mono- and diglycerides than with safflower oil.
Total exposure over time
The baseline-adjusted total exposure to lutein over 48 hours was 232% higher with mono- and diglycerides, and over 336 hours it was 900% higher, compared with safflower oil.
What the authors conclude
“The study data show that by changing the lipid that is combined with a lutein supplement results in significant increases in lutein absorption in healthy adults.”
Also in their conclusions
- They conclude that changing the lipid combined with a lutein supplement leads to significant increases in lutein absorption in healthy adults.
How it was done
The authors note that getting more carotenoids like lutein from the diet is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, so how well lutein is absorbed matters for its effects in the body.
24 healthy adults took a single 6 mg dose of lutein, either in capsules with high-oleic safflower oil or with mono- and diglycerides, in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over study. Blood lutein was measured from baseline up to 336 hours.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This was a single-dose study in healthy adults, so it cannot show what happens with long-term use or in other groups of people.
- The study measured blood lutein levels, not health outcomes like disease risk.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Abbott Laboratories, USA
The paper
- Title
- Mono- and diglycerides improve lutein absorption in healthy adults: a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, single-dose study
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Marriage BJ, Williams JA, Choe YS, Maki KC, Vurma M, DeMichele SJ (2017). Mono- and diglycerides improve lutein absorption in healthy adults: a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, single-dose study. The British journal of nutrition. doi:10.1017/S0007114517002963PubMed 29151374DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error