Consumer Agency Announces Lutein Test and Evaluation Results
Product Ingredient Content and Safety Meet Standards
The price of 'Lutein' health functional foods, known to help eye health, was found to vary by up to four times.
Officials from the Korea Consumer Agency are explaining the test and evaluation results of 12 lutein health functional food products at the Government Sejong Complex on the 17th. [Photo by Yonhap News]
According to data released by the Korea Consumer Agency on the 17th, a test and investigation of 12 lutein-containing products sold on the market showed that the price per daily intake (1-2 capsules) of six single-ingredient lutein products ranged from 206 KRW to 838 KRW, a difference of about four times.
Additionally, six lutein-astaxanthin complex products showed a price difference of about two times, ranging from 317 KRW to 765 KRW. Astaxanthin is a health functional food ingredient known to help improve eye fatigue.
The lutein content of the tested products met the daily intake range, and no particular issues were found in safety tests checking for heavy metals and coliform bacteria.
Lutein extracted from marigold flowers has precautions advising that infants, young children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid consumption.
Some products had online mall labels indicating that pregnant women and children could also consume them, which led to correction requests from the Consumer Agency, and the labeling was subsequently revised.
It was also pointed out as a problem that allergy-causing substances were only indicated in enclosed leaflets that could not be checked before purchasing the product. Improvements were recommended, and some companies responded with improvement plans.
Previously, lutein has been known as an ingredient that can help maintain macular pigment density, which may decrease due to aging, thereby supporting eye health.
Recently, as cases of exposure to digital devices from infancy have increased, interest in eye health has risen across all generations.
For eye health, it is important to have the habit of blinking frequently. Also, maintaining an appropriate indoor environment to reduce eye fatigue and consuming vitamins A, beta-carotene, anthocyanin, lutein, and other eye-friendly nutrients in proper amounts is recommended.
Five Principles for Eye Health
- Frequently using computers and smartphones causes eye fatigue. Develop the habit of blinking often.
2. Maintain an appropriate indoor environment
- Excessive heating lowers humidity and dries the eyes.
- Dark lighting or excessively bright lighting also tires the eyes.
3. Consume eye-friendly foods
- Carrots (Vitamin A and beta-carotene)
- Blueberries (Anthocyanin)
- Spinach (Zeaxanthin, Lutein)
- Almonds (Vitamin E)
4. Wear sunglasses
- Strong UV rays damage the retina. Essential for prolonged outdoor activities.
5. Clean contact lenses
- Choose lenses through an ophthalmologist’s prescription, and clean lenses daily with a dedicated solution.
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