Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Lutein and Zeaxanthin via a Self-Emulsifying Delivery System: A Randomized, Double-Blind Cross-Over Study

• Published in: Journal of medicinal food Vol. 28; no. 8; p. 824
• Main Authors: Choe, Byung-Sun, C, Ambrish, Mk, Priya, Kim, Jinhak, Baek, Kwang-Soo, Park, Yoo-Kyoung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2025
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Adult; Biological Availability; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Supplements - analysis; Double-Blind Method; Drug Delivery Systems; Emulsions - chemistry; Humans; Lutein - administration & dosage; Lutein - blood; Lutein - pharmacokinetics; Male; Young Adult; Zeaxanthins - administration & dosage; Zeaxanthins - blood; Zeaxanthins - pharmacokinetics; pharmacokinetics; biological availability; carotenoids; lutein; macular degeneration; zeaxanthin
• ISSN: 1557-7600
• DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2025.k.0060

This study was conducted to evaluate and verify the improved bioavailability, as determined by the plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin, of the test supplement, XanMax® 2002 plus LuZeAbility™, as compared to the reference supplement, XanMax® 2002. For this purpose, this study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, two-group, two-period cross-over clinical trial research. A total of 24 male subjects participated in the clinical trial. They were randomized 1:1 into group 1 or 2 to consume two types of supplements in two separate periods. This study aimed to propose and demonstrate that the bioavailability and the plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the test supplement were significantly higher (110-132.8%) than in the reference supplement in all consecutive periods, such as 12 to 72 h after intake and at the time of maximum concentration. These results are expected to strengthen macular pigment optical density levels, ultimately providing a safe and effective intervention for comprehensively promoting eye health. Therefore, the findings of this study have significant pharmacokinetic implications and offer valid theoretical and practical insights for both academic research and the industrial development in the supplement market.