Lutein Benefits

The xanthophyll lutein is believed to function in two ways: (1) filter the high
energy blue light and quenches and (2) scavenges photo induced reactive
oxygen species (ROS). It has been observed that lutein consumption is inverely
related to eye diseases, especially the age-related macular degeneration
(AMD) and cataracts. [1]

Scientists have found that lutein and its stero isomer-zeaxanthin are deposited
in the lens and the macula lutea (the area of the retina for central and high
acuity vision). Lutein supplementation has been shown to improve vision in
patients with AMD, protect skin from UV-induced damage and help protect
from cardiovascular disease. [2]

Lutein is readily absorbed from foods or supplements. A serum lutein
concentration in the range of 0.6-1.05 micromol/l may be safe, dietary
achievable and the desirable target may be asociated with the beneficial
impact on visual function and the development of other chronic diseases. [1, 6]

ONE IN EIGHT AMERICANS OVER THE AGE OF 60 HAS AGE-RELATED MACULAR
DEGENERATION (AMD).

RECENT FINDING Dr. Stuart Richer's recent study suggested that age-related
macular degeneration (AMD) symptoms might be reversed through purified
lutein supplementation or a supplement mix of lutein and other antioxidants.
Patients taking the lutein supplement had a significant improvements in
several visual functions such as glare recovery, contrast sensitivity and visual
acuity. [5]

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH FINDINGS

[1] Macular pigment is suggested to be entirely of dietary origin, protects
against age-related maculopathy (ARM). Lutein has beneficial effects on ARM.
[4]

[2] Visual function can be improved with lutein alone or lutein together with
other nutrients in the treatment of atrophic age-related macular degeneration
[3] .

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS

Lutein is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

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REFERENCES
[1] Granado F. et al, Nutritional and clinical relevance of lutein in human health. Br J Nutr.
2003 Sep;90(3):487-502. [2] Alves-Rodrigues A et al, The science behind lutein, Toxicol
Lett. 2004 Apr 15;150(1):57-83. [3] Richer et al, Double-masked, placebo-controlled,
randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic
age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant
Supplementation Trial). Optometry, 2004 Apr; 75(4):216-30. Koh et al. UMIST,
Manchester, UK. Plasma and macular responses to lutein supplement in subjects with
and without age-related maculopathy: a pilot study, Exp Eye Res. 2004 Jul; 79(1):21-7.
[5] L.A. Times: Lutein may reverse vision loss, April 7, 2004. [6] Stahl. W. Macular
carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin. Dev Ophthalmol. 2005;38:70-88.

Lutein health Benefits facts, side effects

Lutein is one of the most widely found carotenoids distributed in fruits and vegetables. Its distribution in
human body is very selective, mainly at the center of the retina - macular pigments. Lutein has displayed
biological activties that have drawn our attention in relation to our health. [1]