High bioavailability of zeaxanthin from deuterium labeled spirulina in humans

Zeaxanthin is a predominant xanthophyll in human eyes and its consumption may reduce the risk of cataracts and age‐related macular degeneration. To determine zeaxanthin bioavailability from spirulina, it was grown in nutrient solution with deuterium oxide for carotenoid labeling. A single servings (4.0–5.0 g) containing 2.6–3.7 mg of zeaxanthin were consumed by 14 healthy male volunteers (4 US Caucasian and 10 Chinese) with 20 g fat. Serum concentrations of total zeaxanthin were measured by using HPLC and enrichment of labeled zeaxanthin was determined by using LC‐APCI‐MS. The intrinsically labeled spirulina zeaxanthin in the circulation was detected at levels as low as 10% enrichment for up to 45 days after intake of spirulina. The average 15‐day area under the serum zeaxanthin response curve to the single dose of spirulina was higher in the US Caucasian subjects 293 nmole‐day/μmole than in the Chinese subjects 197 nmole‐day/μmole (P<0.001). It is concluded that spirulina can serve as a rich source of dietary zeaxanthin with high bioavailability in humans and that there may be racial differences in this bioavailability. (Supported by Nestle Foundation, Lausanne, Switzerland and by the USDA 58‐1950‐7‐707 and 58‐6250‐6‐001). Grant Funding Source : Nestle Foundation