Lutein content in marigold flower (Tagetes erecta L.) concentrates used for production of food supplements

Abstract

The RP-HPLC with UV-VIS DAD detection was employed for the separation, identification, and quantification of lutein content in Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta L.) concentrates used for the production of food supplements. The concentrates commercially available in encapsulated ("granules" - 16 samples) and powder (18 samples) forms were analysed. Only 10 samples showed lutein levels complying with lutein contents declared by the manufacturers. Marigold extract in the encapsulated form proved to be more stable against oxidation than the extract in the powder form.