Lutein Extract from Marigold Flowers | 5% ~ 80% Powder & CWS
GMO-Free, Vertically Integrated Manufacturing for Consistent Purity & Potency. OEM/Private Label Welcome.
With 13 years of expertise, JiuYuan Biotechnology offers full supply chain control in marigold extracts. Our commitment begins with 2,600 ha of company-owned GlobalG.A.P. farms, ensuring a consistent supply of non-GMO raw materials with pesticide residue below 5 ppm.
Our proprietary low-temperature saponification and membrane filtration process yields a comprehensive portfolio of stable lutein products. We offer lutein powder, lutein esters, 0.3 µm cold-water dispersible microcapsule powder, and an 80% oil suspension, with concentrations ranging from 5% to 80% to meet your specific needs.
We are registered for export under both EU and USDA regulations, with stable shipments to over 23 countries. Every batch comes with a fully traceable Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Our versatile products are perfect for a variety of applications, including softgels, functional beverages, infant formula, and pet food, helping you develop leading antioxidant and eye health formulations.
Key Features:
✅ Sourced from Non-GMO Marigold Flowers
✅ Natural Ester Form for Enhanced Bioavailability
✅ Vertically Integrated from Farm to Extract
✅ Available in Multiple Ratios (5%, 10%, 20%, 80% etc.)
✅ Third-Party Lab Tested for Purity & Potency
Source & Raw Materials
Single Botanical Source: 100% non-GMO Tagetes erecta L. marigold petals, with a strict policy against any adulteration or substitution.
Contract Farming & Field Management
Our core production areas in Yunnan and Inner Mongolia, covering approximately 2,600 ha, are managed through "3+ year" long-term buy-back agreements with our partners. This approach guarantees control over the specific variety, cultivated area, and yield.
Our dedicated agronomists provide full-cycle oversight, implementing standardized practices for seed supply, fertilization protocols, and harvesting windows. Each plot's journey from sowing to harvesting and transport is tracked via GPS, ensuring 100% traceability.
Sustainable Farming Practices
Our fields adhere to both EUREPGAP (GlobalG.A.P.) and China's Green Agriculture standards. We strictly prohibit the use of any highly toxic, high-residue, or EU Regulation 1107/2009-listed banned pesticides.
We employ integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, including biological traps, color plates, and crop rotation. Chemical pesticide application is limited to no more than twice per year, which is over 60% lower than the industry average.
Each batch of petals undergoes rapid on-site screening for key pesticides (e.g., Carbendazim, Acetamiprid) and a comprehensive full-panel lab test (GC-MS/MS 450 items) upon arrival. Only materials that pass these rigorous tests are accepted for processing. The full pesticide residue report can be provided along with the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Post-Harvest Handling
The time from the field to drying is less than 4 hours. We use a 55 °C low-temperature tunnel drying method to ensure the moisture content is below 8%, preventing the oxidation and degradation of lutein esters.
Each batch is assigned an individual lot number linked to the specific grower, plot, and harvest date. Samples are archived for a minimum of 24 months to support third-party re-testing and on-site audits by European and American clients.
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Extraction Technology & Process
Low-Temperature Counter-Current Extraction (≤45 °C):
We use a food-grade hexane alternative process, resulting in a solvent residue of less than 5 ppm, which is significantly lower than the requirements of USP <561>.
Patented Saponification & Membrane Filtration :
- Our process precisely controls the pH to 9.2-9.5 for mild saponification at 25 °C. This achieves a conversion rate of lutein esters to free-form lutein of over 98%, while minimizing isomerization.
- Nanofiltration membranes are used to remove free fatty acids and plant waxes, resulting in a final product with a clean, fresh aroma and a vibrant reddish hue.
High Bioavailability:
- Microencapsulated Cold Water Soluble Powder (CWS): The particle size is 0.3-0.5 µm, which increases the in vitro dissolution rate by 2.4 times and boosts the clinical Cmax by 42%.
- Esterified Oil Suspension (OLE): Available in 20% and 80% concentrations. When consumed with a fatty meal, this form improves human absorption by 1.7 times compared to crystalline forms.
Lutein vs. Lutein Ester – Which One Do You Need?
| Item | Free Lutein | Lutein Ester |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Form | After saponification | Native marigold form |
| Stability | Moderate | Higher |
| Absorption | Faster | Requires conversion |
| Common Use | Capsules, tablets | Softgels, oils |
| Cost | Higher | More economical |
Jiuyuan Advantage: We offer both forms, allowing customers to choose based on bioavailability, formulation type, and cost structure.
Manufacturing Process & Quality Control
- Controlled Marigold Cultivation
Non-GMO raw materials from traceable growing regions
- Low-Temperature Extraction
Preserves carotenoid integrity and color stability
- Saponification & Purification
Adjustable to produce free lutein or ester form
- Standardization & Blending
Precise lutein content (±5% deviation control)
- Final Testing & Packaging
COA issued for every production batch
Lutein Powder vs. Related Carotenoid Ingredients
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Feature |
Lutein Powder |
Zeaxanthin Powder |
Astaxanthin Powder |
Beta-Carotene Powder |
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Compound Class |
Xanthophyll carotenoid |
Xanthophyll carotenoid |
Xanthophyll carotenoid |
Carotenoid |
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Primary Source |
Tagetes erecta (marigold) |
Tagetes erecta / algae |
Haematococcus pluvialis |
Blakeslea trispora / synthetic |
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Primary Function |
Macular pigment, blue light filter |
Macular pigment, blue light filter |
Antioxidant, skin health |
Vitamin A precursor |
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Clinical Evidence |
AREDS2, extensive RCTs |
AREDS2 companion nutrient |
Moderate RCT data |
Mixed evidence |
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Optimal Ratio |
5:1 with zeaxanthin |
1:5 with lutein |
Standalone |
Standalone |
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Water Dispersible Grade |
Yes (CWS microcapsule) |
Limited |
Limited |
Limited |
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Typical Daily Dose |
10–20 mg |
2–4 mg |
4–12 mg |
3–6 mg |
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GRAS Status |
Yes (GRN 385 and others) |
Yes |
Yes (astaxanthin-rich algae) |
Yes |
Lutein and zeaxanthin function as a pair. Lutein dominates the peripheral macula. Zeaxanthin concentrates in the foveal center. Formulating them together at the 5:1 ratio mirrors their natural distribution in the human retina.
A 2025 review in the journal Nutrients noted that dietary intake and plasma concentrations of lutein plus zeaxanthin at or above 5.8 mg/day and 0.67 μmol/L, respectively, associate with the lowest AMD risk.
The CSIR-CIMAP green extraction process demonstrates that high-purity lutein (90–96%) can be produced without toxic solvents or recrystallization. That process standard anchors our manufacturing approach.
Other Specifications of marigold flower extract
Lutein Series
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Dosage Form
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Concentration
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Description
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Mesh Size
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Packaging
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Application
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| Standard Powder | 5%-90% (HPLC/UV) | Orange-yellow powder | 80 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Tablets, hard capsules, gummies, premixes, raw material for encapsulated products |
| Oil Suspension | 5%-20% (HPLC/UV) | Orange-yellow viscous liquid | / | 10-20 kg/drum, 200 kg/drum | Softgels, natural food coloring |
| CWS Microcapsule Powder | 5%, 10% | Reddish-orange free-flowing powder | 95% pass through 40 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Solid beverages, gummies, premixes |
| CWD Microcapsule Powder | 20% | Reddish-orange free-flowing powder | 95% pass through 40 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Solid beverages, gummies, premixes |
| BEADLETS | 5%, 10% | Orange-yellow free-flowing granules | 100% pass through 20 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Water-soluble (low gelatin): Solid beverages, gummies, premixes Compressible (high gelatin, buffered): Tablets, hard capsules |
Zeaxanthin Series
| Dosage Form | Concentration | Description | Mesh Size | Packaging | Application |
| Standard Powder | 5%-73% | Orange-yellow powder | 80 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Tablets, hard capsules, gummies, premixes, raw material for encapsulated products |
| Oil Suspension | 5%-20% (HPLC) | Orange-yellow viscous liquid | / | 10-20 kg/drum, 200 kg/drum | Softgels, natural food coloring |
| CWS Microcapsule Powder | 5% | Reddish-orange free-flowing powder | 95% pass through 40 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Solid beverages, gummies, premixes |
| BEADLETS | 5% | Orange-yellow free-flowing granules | 100% pass through 20 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Water-soluble: Solid beverages, gummies, premixes Compressible: Tablets, hard capsules |
Lutein Ester Series
| Dosage Form | Concentration | Description | Mesh Size | Packaging | Application |
| Standard Powder | 5%-80% | Orange-yellow powder | 80 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Tablets, hard capsules, gummies, premixes, raw material for encapsulated products |
| Oil Suspension | 5%-35% | Orange-yellow viscous liquid | / | 10-20 kg/drum, 200 kg/drum | Softgels, natural food coloring |
| CWS Microcapsule Powder | 5%, 10% | Reddish-orange free-flowing powder | 95% pass through 40 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Solid beverages, gummies, premixes |
| BEADLETS | 5%, 10% | Orange-yellow free-flowing granules | 99.5% pass through 20 mesh | 1 kg/bag, 25 kg/drum | Water-soluble: Solid beverages, gummies, premixes Compressible: Tablets, hard capsules |
Note: The oil suspension carrier can be either sunflower oil or safflower oil.
Key Efficacy (Backed by over 60 published studies)
- Vision/Eye Health: Supports retinal health by helping to filter harmful blue light and increasing macular protective pigment density (MPPD).
- Antioxidant Protection: Effectively combats free radicals to protect cellular integrity and health.
- Skin Health & Aesthetics: Studies indicate a potential role in mitigating the adverse effects of UV exposure on the skin while boosting dermal hydration (or skin moisture).
Applications
- Dietary Supplements:
Softgels: Compatible with fish oil and corn oil, maintaining clarity and color stability.
Hard-Shell Capsules/Tablets: Ideal for formulating eye health products with complementary ingredients like zeaxanthin, anthocyanins, and Vitamin A.
- Functional Foods & Beverages:
Ready-to-Drink Juices & Dairy Drinks: Our LUT-P20CWS powder is suitable for 80 °C/30 min hot-fill processes, with a retention rate of ≥95%.
Baked Goods & Confectionery: Recommended usage is 0.4-0.8%, which provides a natural golden color, serving as a replacement for synthetic colorants.
- Infant Nutrition:
Permitted for use under EU Regulation 2016/127. Recommended dosage is 0.03-0.06% w/w to support retinal development.
- Pet Food:
Recommended for use in dog and cat dry food at 200-300 ppm. It has been shown to improve the retinal function index (PERG) in dogs by 15%.
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Application |
Formulation Format |
Typical Dosage |
Key Considerations |
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Eye Health Supplements |
Softgels, capsules, tablets |
10–20 mg per serving |
AREDS2-aligned dosage; oil-suspension for softgels |
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Multivitamin Blends |
Tablets, capsules |
6–10 mg per serving |
Pair with zeaxanthin at 5:1 ratio |
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Functional Beverages |
Stick packs, RTD, sachets |
5–10 mg per serving |
Use CWS microcapsule grade for clarity |
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Infant Formula |
Powdered formula |
0.5–2 mg per serving |
FDA GRAS cleared for infant formula use |
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Functional Foods |
Fortified bars, dairy, cereals |
0.3–3.0 mg per serving |
GRAS-level use per FDA guidance |
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Cosmetic & Skincare |
Serums, creams |
0.1–1% in formula |
Oil-soluble grade for anhydrous systems |
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Pet Nutrition |
Dry kibble, supplements |
5–10 mg per serving |
Stable in extrusion processes below 80°C |
The FDA has not questioned the safety of lutein for specified food uses at levels below 20 mg per person per day. GRAS Notice GRN 385 covers use in baked goods, beverages, breakfast cereals, dairy analogs, frozen desserts, hard candy, and medical foods at 0.3–3.0 mg per reference amount.
Stability Data
Long-Term Stability: The product shows a content loss of less than 4.2% after 36 months at 25 °C/60% RH.
Accelerated Stability: The content loss is less than 7% after 6 months at 40 °C/75% RH.
Shipment Service
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By Air 100 kg-1000 kg, 5-7 Days Airport-to-airport service professional clearance broker needed |
By Sea Over 300 kg, Around 30 Days Port-to-port service professional clearance broker needed |
Express Under 100 kg, 3-5 Days Door-to-door service easy to pick up the goods |
Why Choose Jiuyuan as Your Lutein Powder Supplier?
1️⃣ Manufacturer-Direct Supply (Not a Trading Company)
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13+ years of carotenoid extraction experience
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Integrated production from raw marigold petals to finished lutein powder
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Stable batch-to-batch consistency for long-term supply contracts
2️⃣ Wide Specification Range for Different Applications
Most suppliers focus on one or two grades.
We support full-range lutein customization:
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Application |
Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
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Capsules & Tablets |
10%–20% Lutein Powder |
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Softgels |
Oil Suspension / Ester Form |
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Beverages |
Water-Dispersible (CWS/CWD) |
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Infant Formula |
High-Purity, Low-Residue Grade |
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Pet Nutrition |
Cost-Effective 5%–10% |
3️⃣ Certified Quality System
Produced under:
- cGMP
- ISO 22000 / ISO 9001
- FSSC 22000
- HACCP
- HALAL / KOSHER
Each batch is supplied with COA, including:
- Lutein assay (HPLC)
- Residual solvents
- Heavy metals
- Microbiological limits
Buyer Guide
Sourcing lutein powder requires attention to details that do not appear on a price sheet.
Specify by HPLC, not UV. UV-Vis measures total carotenoids as a class. HPLC quantifies lutein specifically. A UV result of "20% carotenoids" may contain only 12% lutein. Agree on HPLC as the assay method in your purchasing specification.
Distinguish esters from free lutein. Marigold extract naturally contains lutein esters. Saponification converts esters to free lutein. Both forms are commercially available. Your choice depends on the dissolution profile of your finished dosage form. A 2002 bioavailability study showed that dissolution - not ester status - was the limiting factor for absorption.
Check the zeaxanthin ratio. Marigold-derived lutein contains 3–8% zeaxanthin as a natural companion. If your formulation claims a specific lutein-to-zeaxanthin ratio, confirm the analytical value on the COA. Some suppliers blend in additional zeaxanthin to hit a target ratio.
Request the pesticide residue report. Marigold flowers are susceptible to pest pressure. A full-panel GC-MS/MS screen covering 450 items confirms compliance with EU Regulation 1107/2009. JiuYuan Bio limits chemical pesticide application to no more than twice per year - over 60% below the industry average.
Test the sample in your actual formulation. Lutein is sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. Extrusion temperatures, pasteurization steps, and packaging oxygen barriers all affect stability. A 100 g sample tells you more than a specification sheet.
Compare cost per milligram of lutein, not price per kilogram. A 20% lutein extract at a higher per-kilo price may cost less per serving than a 10% extract at a lower price. Calculate cost per unit of active.
Ask about supply continuity. Marigold harvests are seasonal. Climate conditions, pest infestations, and seasonal supply fluctuations can disrupt raw material availability. A supplier with company-owned farms and multi-year buy-back agreements provides more reliable forecasting than one relying on spot-market sourcing.
FAQ
Q: Can I get some samples?
A: Yes, we can supply the free sample, but the shipping cost will be paid by our customers.
Q: How is lutein best absorbed?
A: Lutein is absorbed best when it's taken with a high-fat meal.
Q: Is there any discount?
A: Yes, for large quantities, we always support with better prices.
Q: How about delivery time?
A: Delivery time: About 3-5 days after payment is confirmed.
Q: What is the difference between Lutein Esters and Free-Form Lutein?
A: Lutein Esters are the natural form of lutein found in marigold petals. They are more stable and less prone to oxidation during processing and storage. Your body must first convert lutein esters into free-form lutein for absorption.
Free-Form Lutein, on the other hand, is not naturally occurring in marigolds but is produced through a saponification process that removes the fatty acid molecules from the ester. Since free-form lutein doesn't require conversion, some studies suggest it may have higher bioavailability in certain applications.
Both forms offer the same core health benefits for eye and skin health. The choice between them often depends on the final application, formulation, and target market preferences.
Q: What is the recommended daily dosage for lutein?
A: While there is no official Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for lutein, numerous clinical studies support a daily intake of 10-20 mg of lutein, often paired with 2 mg of zeaxanthin, for maintaining eye health. For skin health applications, dosages can range from 5-10 mg per day. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for individual needs.
Q: Do you offer Water-Dispersible (CWS) grade for beverages?
A: Yes, we offer a specialized CWS (Cold Water Soluble) grade of lutein, designed specifically for use in beverages and other liquid formulations. Our CWS powder is microencapsulated to ensure it disperses easily and remains stable in water, providing excellent clarity and color without clumping. It is an ideal choice for fortified juices, functional drinks, and other liquid products.
Q: Can you support OEM and Private Label packaging?
A: Yes, we offer comprehensive support for both OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and private label services. Our team can assist with everything from product formulation and development to customized packaging and branding to meet your specific market and design requirements. Please contact our sales team to discuss your project needs and how we can bring your product vision to life.
Request a Sample or Commercial Quote
Jiuyuan Biotech supplies Lutein Powder to food manufacturers, supplement brands, and contract formulators across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Our technical team - not a generic sales inbox - handles every inquiry.
Email: info@jiuyuanbio.com
Website: www.jiuyuanbio.com
Request: Sample| Bulk Quote | CoA & Spec Sheet | Custom Carrier Ratio
Standard response time: within 1 business day. Please include your target application and annual volume estimate for the most relevant technical recommendation.
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