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H. T. BARNES and L. A. Fullmer. Application Research & Technical Services, Kemin Foods, L.C., 600 E Court Ave, Suite A, Des Moines, IA 50309 Lutein is an oxygenated carotenoid that absorbs visible light and plays a role in the quenching of singlet oxygen. There is accumulating evidence that the antioxidative and light filtering functions of lutein are key mechanisms of protection against photoaging in the skin and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 65 years of age in the United States and Europe. This important nutrient cannot be synthesized by humans and must be obtained through a diet consisting of dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, corn, dietary supplements, and/or functional foods and beverages fortified with lutein. However, as a fat-soluble carotenoid, lutein is difficult to incorporate into water-based systems and limits a manufacturers ability to produce functional beverages with the nutritional benefits of lutein. Sucrose monolaurate is dissolved in water, the carotenoid is added, and a proprietary patented drying process creates a final product concentration of 15% lutein. The concentrated product is dispersible in water, yields optically clear beverages that do not ring or settle, and is substantially stable to thermal processing and storage. In the United States, the combination of sucrose monolaurate and lutein is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) in bottled waters, carbonated beverages, meal replacement beverages, ready-to-drink teas, egg substitutes, baby foods, dry milks, fermented and flavored milk beverages, yogurts, energy/sports drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, and nectars. Inclusion levels range from 0.5-3.0 mg lutein per RACC (Reference Amount Customarily Consumed).
Session 1, NEW PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGIES: Innovations in healthy ingredients
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