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).
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2007
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.
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).
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2007
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] |
