After the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) decided there was insufficient evidence that lutein consumption supported “maintenance of normal vision,” global suppliers of the carotenoid—including OmniActive Health Technologies, Kemin Health and Cognis Nutrition & Health—issued statements expressing disappointment in the verdict. However, as Shane Starling reported, it may take a cooperative effort among suppliers to gain EFSA approval of a lutein-eye health claim.
Sanjaya Mariwala, managing director, OmniActive, told Starling EFSA claims approval may require unity among ingredient suppliers. “It is important for like-minded manufacturers of high quality carotenoids, antioxidants and nutritional ingredients to come together to make a focused effort to consolidate scientific arguments and better meet the nutritional needs of this century’s lifestyle and resource base,” Mariwala said. “We hope to learn from the experience, and bridge the information and data gaps to facilitate a fresh review of claims with the right level of justification.”
Starling noted EFSA’s decision found while lutein could increase macular pigment density, the effect did not necessarily assist in maintaining normal vision. While the submission included 232 references including 86 human studies, 36 textbooks or authoritative options, 57 narrative reviews and a comprehensive review of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it wasn’t enough to sway the European panel. Instead, many of the studies were ruled out on various grounds including small populations, poor trial design or the use of non-healthy populations.
