Bioavailability of carotenoids from chlorella powder in healthy subjects: A comparison with marigold petal extract

Abstract

More information on the bioavailability of carotenoids is needed to make recommendations on carotenoid consumption. Here, we compared the bioavailabilities of lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene from regular chlorella powder (RC), lutein-enriched chlorella powder (LC), and marigold petal extract (M) in a randomised clinical trial. The plasma lutein response was highest for LC, comparably high for RC and M and was positively correlated with LDL, HDL, and buccal mucosal cell (BMC) content. The plasma alpha-carotene response was delayed but significant for LC and RC and was positively correlated with LDL content. The plasma zeaxanthin and beta-carotene responses did not differ among the groups and were positively correlated with LDL content. Lutein and zeaxanthin were detected in BMCs, but alpha-carotene and beta-carotene were not. These findings support the use of chlorella powder as a lutein source that is equivalent to marigold petal extract, but with a greater diversity and reliable mass-production. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.