Lutein Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028, Segmented By Form (Powder and Crystalline, Oil Suspension, Beadlets, Emulsion), By Source (Natural, Synthetic), By Application (Food, Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, and Personal Care Products), By Production Process (Chemical Synthesis, Extraction from Botanical Material, Ferme

Market Overview

Global Lutein Market has valued at USD 401.02 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to project grow with a CAGR of 5.16% through 2028. Lutein is a prominent type of carotenoid, known for its association with vitamin A. It serves as a yellow pigment that has been substantiated by numerous studies for its ability to uphold eye health and mitigate the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. These advantageous properties have resulted in heightened consumption of lutein across various sectors, including food products, supplements, cosmetics, and animal feed. Commonly found at sources of lutein include egg yolks, broccoli, spinach, kale, maize, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, zucchini, orange juice, and squash. With evolving lifestyles and escalating susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, the demand for lutein is expected to surge.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Demand of Lutein in Cosmetic Industry

The growth of the lutein market can be attributed to the increasing demand for dietary supplements, the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the adoption of lutein in the cosmetic industry. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the demand for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. As more individuals in developed and developing countries become aware of the benefits of organic nutraceuticals, the adoption of these products has increased. Furthermore, the sales of nutraceuticals experienced an upturn during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), dietary supplement sales in the U.S. increased by 5% in 2019 compared to 2018. This increase can be primarily attributed to the shift towards preventive therapies, as there was a high risk of contracting the coronavirus when visiting hospitals. Consequently, hospital visits decreased during the pandemic, and a significant population worldwide turned to nutraceuticals for disease prevention and treatment. This trend also led to an increased demand for lutein for the prevention of eye disorders such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Thus, the rise in nutraceutical sales also contributed to the global increase in the sale of lutein products.

Rising Cases of Skin Cancer

The rise in skin cancer cases attributed to UV radiation has resulted in an increased demand for skin care products containing lutein. Furthermore, lutein offers protection against the oxidative and DNA-damaging effects of blue light. It is anticipated that heightened absorption of blue light by the skin will stimulate melanin production, resulting in skin tanning, aging, and the risk of skin cancer. Interestingly, individuals who consume lutein experience a significant lightening of their skin tone and an overall improvement in skin complexion, indicating a subsequent reduction in melanin production. As a result, the application of lutein contributes to the growth of the market.

Wide Range of Application in Pharmaceutical Industry

Lutein is widely used in the formulation of eye health supplements and nutraceuticals. These supplements are taken to support and promote eye health, especially for individuals at risk of or suffering from AMD or other vision-related conditions. Lutein's antioxidant properties are believed to be beneficial for preventing and managing cataracts, a common age-related eye condition. Pharmaceutical companies may investigate the use of lutein in cataract treatments or as a preventative measure in eye health formulations.

The pharmaceutical industry has been exploring lutein's potential in the development of therapies for AMD. Research suggests that lutein supplementation may help slow the progression of AMD and reduce the risk of advanced AMD in individuals with early signs of the disease. The demand for lutein in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries is increasing due to the aging population and the growing incidence of eye conditions such as AMD and cataracts. The rising consumer awareness of preventive healthcare and the significance of eye health are driving the demand for lutein supplements to maintain optimal vision.

Potential Use as A Natural Food Coloring Component

Lutein has shown good stability in various food processing conditions, making it suitable for use in a wide range of food applications. It can withstand heat, light, and pH changes, maintaining its color during processing and storage.

Key Market Challenges

Side Effects Associated with Lutein

One of the primary market limitations is the adverse effects associated with consuming high doses of lutein. Adhering to recommended dosage guidelines is crucial, and it is advisable to seek guidance from healthcare professionals before considering high-dose supplementation. Excessive lutein consumption can potentially lead to gastrointestinal disorders, heightened oxidative stress, and in some cases, allergic reactions. These factors significantly impede the market's growth trajectory.

Furthermore, the limited awareness and knowledge surrounding lutein-based products and their benefits pose an additional constraint on the expansion of the lutein market. Particularly, the populace's lack of education regarding the role of lutein in promoting eye health hinders widespread consumption of lutein-rich food products. This, in turn, restricts the overall market demand.

Limited Consumer Awareness

Despite the potential health benefits of lutein, consumer awareness of this carotenoid and its applications may still be relatively low. Educating consumers about the benefits of lutein and its sources could be a challenge for companies looking to promote lutein-infused products. The price of lutein can be subject to fluctuations due to factors such as supply chain dynamics, agricultural conditions, and production costs. Price volatility may impact the profitability of companies that rely heavily on lutein as an ingredient.

Lutein is primarily extracted from marigold flowers or synthesized from petrochemicals. Ensuring a stable and reliable supply of high-quality lutein could be challenging, particularly during times of supply chain disruptions or fluctuations in raw material availability. However, there are certain challenges that may hinder the market's growth for lutein. Regulatory factors, volatile prices of raw materials, and limited availability of lutein-rich sources can all pose obstacles to market expansion. Additionally, the presence of more affordable alternatives and the need for extensive research and development in new lutein applications may also present difficulties for industry stakeholders.

Key Market Trends

Growing Preference of Organic products

The growing demand for natural supplements presents a significant market opportunity. As consumers increasingly prioritize their health, there is a preference for organic products. Consequently, there is a rising demand for lutein in the food and beverage as well as dietary supplement industries due to its natural antioxidant properties as a pigment. The benefits of organic supplements, such as lutein, in promoting eye health and overall well-being have propelled market demand.

Furthermore, the emerging nutraceutical industry offers a promising avenue for market growth. This industry focuses on products that combine nutritional and pharmaceutical properties, with lutein being a beneficial ingredient in such products. The advantages of lutein in supporting eye and skin health make it a suitable component for nutraceutical formulations, thereby driving demand in the lutein market.

Growing Investment in R&D

With consumers increasingly seeking natural and clean-label products, the demand for natural food colorants and antioxidants like lutein has risen. As a naturally occurring carotenoid, lutein fits well into the growing market for natural ingredients, prompting investments in its production and incorporation into various food and beverage products. Ongoing research and innovation in lutein extraction, purification, and formulation have improved its availability and efficacy. Advancements in technology and production processes may lead to increased investments in lutein-related research and development.

The growing investments in research and development present substantial growth prospects for the market. Ongoing research to unveil the health benefits of lutein, such as in brain health and cardiovascular health, is creating new opportunities, contributing to the expansion of the market.

Segmental Insights

Application Insights

The lutein market is segmented into various sectors, including food, beverages, dietary supplements, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. The demand for lutein in the pharmaceutical sector is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. Lutein extracts are widely utilized for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most prevalent cause of blindness among adults. The industry is projected to witness growth driven by the increasing incidence of other eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy over the forecast period.

Form Type Insights

Based on different forms, the market is categorized powder and crystalline, oil suspension, Beadlets, and emulsion. The Beadlets segment is projected to experience significant growth due to the advancement of innovative compounding processes and microencapsulated techniques, which enhance the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of lutein. Additionally, the emulsion segment is expected to exhibit rapid growth during the forecast period, as it demonstrates physical stability across all incubation temperatures.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the market, with the United States being the key contributor. Given the substantial population of vision-impaired individuals in the United States, there is a high demand for lutein supplements in this country. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataracts affect over 24.4 million Americans aged 40 and above each year. By the age of 75, approximately half of all Americans develop cataracts. Furthermore, nearly 2.1 million Americans aged 50 and above suffer from late AMD, which can result in severe vision impairment. Consequently, various optometrists in America have recommended lutein supplements due to the escalating cases of vision impairment.

Recent Developments

On April 12, 2021, Aurea Biolabs demonstrated the efficacy of Zeal TechnologyTM in enhancing the bioavailability of various active substances. For instance, Zeal Vitamin C exhibited a six-fold increase in bioavailability compared to traditional vitamin C, as evidenced by mean plasma concentration. Another notable example of Aurea's unique eye health component is Lutent®, which comprises highly bioavailable free lutein, zeaxanthin, and lutein ester derived from marigold flowers. Additionally, RephyllTM, utilizing Zeal TechnologyTM to deliver beta-caryophyllene from black pepper and other plants, has been found to aid in the alleviation of delayed-onset muscle soreness and post-exercise recovery.

In November 2018, INNOBIO recognized the limitations of tablets and capsules for individuals with swallowing difficulties, as well as the inconvenience of dissolving solid beverage powders in water prior to consumption. To address these concerns, INNOBIO developed a directly consumable lutein esters powder utilizing patented microencapsulated powder technology and proprietary absorption technology. This innovative formulation can be conveniently stored in a compact bag for everyday use.

In September 2021, OmniActive Health Technologies unveiled the U.S. commercial debut of Nutritears, an exclusive blend of ingredients for the treatment of occasional dry eyes. Additionally, in June 2021, OmniActive Health Technologies launched Integrative Actives, a cutting-edge platform that enables the delivery of multiple actives in concentrated smaller doses. Nutritears, a lutein and zeaxanthin product, stands as the inaugural outcome of the Integrative Actives platform.

In September 2019, OmniActive Health Technologies announced the Foods with Function Claims (FFC) approval of Lutemax 2020, a combination of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers, by Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency. This approval recognizes its efficacy in promoting eye health, reducing eye fatigue, improving visual performance (contrast sensitivity and glare recovery), and supporting sleep quality.

Key Market Players

• Kemin Industries
• BASF SE
• Dupont Nutrition & Health
• Allied Biotech Corporation
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Nature's Bounty Co.
• Evonik Industries
• Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
• Pioneer Food Solutions
• Valensa International