Lutein is an anti-oxidant in the carotenoid family, a group of naturally occurring fat-soluble pigments found in plants.
What it does
Lutein is the main carotenoid present in the central area of the retina called the macula and acts as a filter to damaging purple light. It works alongside another carotenoid call zeaxanthin and both are found in spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, leeks, peas, and egg yolks.
Potential Uses
| Age related macular degeneration | Cataracts | Dry eye |
Lutein and zeaxanthin are typically found in combination with bilberry in supplement formulated to protect eye function.
Benefits of Lutein
Lutein has a number of health benefits, including:
- Eye health: Lutein helps to protect the eyes from damage caused by sunlight and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of blindness in older adults.
- Heart health: Lutein may help to protect the heart from damage caused by oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can damage cells and tissues.
- Brain health: Lutein may help to protect the brain from damage caused by stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Skin health: Lutein may help to protect the skin from damage caused by the sun.
- Cancer prevention: Lutein may help to prevent some types of cancer, such as prostate cancer and lung cancer.
Consequences of Deficiency
A deficiency in lutein can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Lutein helps to protect the macula from damage caused by sunlight and age.
- Cataracts: Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. Lutein may help to prevent cataracts by protecting the lens from damage.
- Dry eyes: Dry eyes are a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, smoking, and certain medications. Lutein may help to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes by increasing tear production.
Examples of Products Full of Lutein
Lutein is found in a variety of foods, including:
- Green leafy vegetables: Kale, spinach, collard greens, and turnip greens are all good sources of lutein.
- Egg yolks: Egg yolks are a good source of lutein, especially when they are cooked.
- Fruits: Some fruits, such as oranges and grapes, contain lutein.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds, are also good sources of lutein.
- Supplements: Lutein is also available as a supplement.
How to Use Lutein
The best way to get enough lutein is to eat a diet rich in lutein-rich foods. You can also take a lutein supplement. The amount of lutein you need depends on your age and health status. It is best to talk to your doctor to determine the right amount of lutein for you.
Uses of Lutein
Lutein is used in a variety of products, including:
- Eye supplements: Lutein is a common ingredient in eye supplements. These supplements are designed to help protect the eyes from damage caused by sunlight and age.
- Cosmetics: Lutein is also used in some cosmetics, such as sunscreen and moisturizers. These products are designed to help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun.
- Food supplements: Lutein is also added to some food supplements, such as energy bars and yogurt. These products are designed to provide additional lutein to the diet.
Lutein for Eyes
Lutein is important for eye health because it helps to protect the macula from damage caused by sunlight and age. The macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for sharp central vision. Lutein also helps to filter out harmful blue light from the sun, which can damage the eyes.
There is some evidence that lutein may help to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
If you are concerned about your eye health, talk to your doctor. They can recommend ways to protect your eyes and keep them healthy.
Cautions
Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using lutein.
At the time of writing there were no well known negative drug interactions with lutein
