E161b — Lutein
E161b (Lutein), a color, is rated "safe": no significant concern. A yellow plant pigment extracted from marigold flowers or alfalfa. Also a nutrient linked to eye health. Used to color yogurts, baked goods, and pasta.
What is Lutein?
A yellow-orange carotenoid pigment extracted from marigold petals or alfalfa. Used in yogurt, salad dressings, pasta, and as a feed additive that gives egg yolks their golden color.
What does it do to the body?
Concentrates in the macula of your eye and is linked to lower risk of age-related macular degeneration in long-term studies. No realistic safety issue from food-level use.
What regulators say
EFSA set an acceptable daily intake of 1 mg per kg of body weight per day in 2010. The FDA approves it as a color and as a nutrient.
Risk rating: Safe
Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.