Lutein to zeaxanthin isomerization process and product

摘要

A lutein to zeaxanthin isomerization process which includes a saponification or alkali treatment of a plant extract containing lutein followed by a heating period under controlled conditions, is carried out in the presence of a surface active agent having an HLB of from 1 to 40 as a catalyst for the lutein to zeaxanthin isomerization reaction, at a temperature between 70 to 140° C., in order to obtain a reaction product with high zeaxanthin concentrations of up to 80% of the total carotenoids.