Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid, naturally present in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and yellow carrots and found in egg yolks and animal fats.

Lutein is extracted from the petals of African marigold and available in a powdered, water soluble form.

Lutein is often used in the human diet as a colouring for foods, and has been found to have beneficial effects on the retina for three-colour vision and in support against macular degeneration.