Lutein esters are sometimes used in products in place of purified, crystalline lutein. Lutein esters are chemically different from lutein, and they require enzymatic digestion in the small intestine to allow any lutein to be taken up by the body.
Some research has suggested that a much higher fat intake must accompany intake of lutein esters, as opposed to purified lutein, in order for the body to effectively absorb lutein ester
