Lute-gen®

Developed with a vision for your future

Lute-gen® is a cost-effective, clinically-proven marigold extract, backed by several clinical studies, and a traceable & transparent seed-to-drum program. Manufactured through a patented process, Lute-gen® is available in several versatile forms, such as Free Lutein, Ester Lutein and combinations of Lutein and Zeaxanthin-isomers in the ratio 5:1.

NutraIngredients Awards

The Lute-gen® difference

Lute-gen® stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to your consumers’ well-being. This marigold extract from the Tagetes erecta species in India, is standardized to contain the three important carotenoids for visual health – lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin.

The Lute-gen® difference

Lute-gen® stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to your consumers’ well-being. This marigold extract from the Tagetes erecta species in India, is standardized to contain the three important carotenoids for visual health – lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin.

Backed by science. Trusted globally.

While lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are known as macular carotenoids, our research has shown its significant potential for visual health and beyond.

Lute-gen® is clinically-proven to significantly increase Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD). Higher MPOD may reduce the risk of various issues related to visual health by preventing damage from blue-light and oxidative stress.

Lute-gen® has been researched to significantly reduce the rate of telomere shortening. Telomere length is an accurate measurement of cellular age, and protecting this length is the key to healthy aging.

In another study, Lute-gen® was shown to support the Eye-Brain-Axis (EBA) by significantly improving episodic memory, visual memory & visual learning. This may have important implications for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline.

In a first of its kind study, Lute-gen® was also shown to positively support a healthy central fovea. The central fovea is a tiny pit in the macula where the sharpest image is formed. The increase in CFT may have direct implications on providing protection against blue-light and supporting visual acuity.

Backed by science. Trusted globally.

While lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are known as macular carotenoids, our research has shown its significant potential for visual health and beyond.

Lute-gen® is clinically-proven to significantly increase Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD). Higher MPOD may reduce the risk of various issues related to visual health by preventing damage from blue-light and oxidative stress.

Lute-gen® has been researched to significantly reduce the rate of telomere shortening. Telomere length is an accurate measurement of cellular age, and protecting this length is the key to healthy aging.

In another study, Lute-gen® was shown to support the Eye-Brain-Axis (EBA) by significantly improving episodic memory, visual memory & visual learning. This may have important implications for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline.

In a first of its kind study, Lute-gen® was also shown to positively support a healthy central fovea. The central fovea is a tiny pit in the macula where the sharpest image is formed. The increase in CFT may have direct implications on providing protection against blue-light and supporting visual acuity.

Why Lute-gen® is essential to your formulation

Globally recognized

Lute-gen® is available in over 45 countries, and is recognized by the industry as the NutraIngredients Asia 2022 Award Winner and NutraIngredients USA 2022 Award Finalist.

Backed by multiple studies

The clinical studies on Lute-gen® are conducted globally, with each study design being vetted by third-party organizations and stakeholders to reinforce the strength of the study in all aspects.

Low dose & unit cost

A low dose of Lute-gen® containing only 10mg of lutein and 2mg of zeaxanthin-isomers is used across the clinical studies. This significantly supports an effective lower dose that helps reduce the unit cost for the consumer.

Backward integrated supply chain

Lute-gen® is built on a sustainable, reliable, traceable and transparent supply chain program called seed-to-drum, following Good Agricultural Practices (GACP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Click here to watch the complete seed-to-drum video.

Global Regulatory Compliance

Lute-gen® is designed to suit all regulatory requirements for the food and dietary supplement industry in terms of heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticides, plasticizers and aflatoxins. The quality-by-design infrastructure in our manufacturing facility ensures this each time, every time.

Global Consumer Compliance

Lute-gen® has been carefully crafted keeping the global consumer sentiments in mind. All grades of Lute-gen® are 100% vegan, free of allergens, Non-GMO, while some SKUs are even Non-GMO Project Verified.

For every application. For every consumer.

Understanding changing consumer preferences, Lute-gen® is versatile and application-tested to be used in several innovative formats including gummies, oral strips, chews, stick packs, effervescent tablets, softgels, and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lute-gen® is one of the best marigold extract options available in the market due to its low cost, uncompromising quality, stability and support with respect to scientific evidence.


All carotenoids, such as lutein & zeaxanthin, are extremely unstable in the presence of light, heat, low pH and moisture. The stabilization of these compounds is a critical step to ensure the stability & integrity of the ingredient. Therefore, not all lutein & zeaxanthin products in the market are the same. Lute-gen® undergoes careful formulation and manufacturing processes at each step and is tested for stability as an ingredient as well as in finished dosage forms. Better stability & compatibility in different delivery systems ensures the precise dosage is administered each time.


All SKUs of Lute-gen® (marigold flower extract) are manufactured in our US-FDA & EU-GMP compliant facility in Bangalore, INDIA. The facility is also closely located to the farms where the marigolds are grown, which caters to a very large percentage of the global marigold supply.


Bio-gen Extracts is one of the best marigold extract manufacturers with a focus on traceability, sustainability and science. Due to this focus, Lute-gen® can be found in over 45 countries, such as the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, India etc.


Free Lutein is commonly found in food while Ester Lutein is commonly found in plants, such as marigold flowers. A saponification step of the marigold extract provides Free Lutein, which is approximately half the molecular weight of Ester Lutein. Several studies have indicated similar bioavailability across both types of lutein, although you would need approximately twice the amount of Ester Lutein when compared to Free Lutein to obtain a comparative label claim.


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While lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are known as macular carotenoids, our research has shown its significant potential for visual health and beyond.

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