Lutein, zeaxanthin, Lutein

Lutein is an important carotenoid, which is a yellow/red pigment found in fruits, vegetables, and egg yolks. A potent antioxidant that works mainly in eye health against free radicals in the retina and macula region. It also has an isomer (compound of identical chemical formula) called zeaxanthin, that works synergically in the eyes.

  • Origin: Plant Based, Animal Product, Synthetic
  • Source: Eggs, Leafy Greens, Corn, Paprika
  • Type: Antioxidants
  • Age Range: Adults, Seniors
  • Toxicity: Not toxic
  • Outcomes: Specific Conditions, Eye Health

What are Lutein benefits?

Lutein, as well as zeaxanthin, structure similar to pre-vitamin A (β-carotene) and are mainly involved in eye health. In addition, lutein together with zeaxanthin is part of the family of antioxidants. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only dietary carotenoids found in the retina. They are concentrated mainly in the macula region, located at the back of the eye, which is essential for vision. Because of where they are concentrated, these two carotenoids are known as macular pigments. According to studies, lutein can protect your body and especially your eyes in many ways. However, when it comes to eye health, research indicates lutein’s main benefits include: suppressing inflammation; defending against free radicals and oxidative stress; enhancing the sharpness of vision; improving your sensitivity to visual contrast; reducing glare; protecting eye tissue from sunlight damage; reducing cell loss and death related to eye diseases; protecting the eyes from harmful blue light; converting light signals into electrical signals in the retina and aiding in the transmission of these signals to the visual cortex in the brain; protecting against myopia; and protecting premature babies from the effects of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Table of relations

Outcome
Sub-Outcome
Consistent effects
Strength of effects
Scientific articles

Specific Conditions Lutein and Specific Conditions

Specific body conditions categorize precise areas of our body, such as: Respiratory allergies; Liver; Eye health; Blood pressure; Cholesterol and triglycerides; and Blood glucose control. These areas require specific attention because they are delicate functions related to other parts of the body. Respiratory allergies, for example, are linked to the immune system, and to present an effective nutraceutical, we keep our scientific base up to date.
  • Eye Health

    The eyes are very important organs for the quality of life in general. They are extremely sensitive, thus they deserve preventive care because when they are harmed, they are not easily treated. The compounds used for eye health are mainly specific antioxidants and fatty acids.

Table of negative interactions

Foods
Bell Pepper, Dark Green Vegetables

Related videos about Lutein

References

  1. a b c d Goodrow EF, et al. Consumption of one egg per day increases serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in older adults without altering serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrationsJ Nutr. (2006)
  2. a b c d Handelman GJ, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma after dietary supplementation with egg yolkAm J Clin Nutr. (1999)
  3. a b c d Wenzel AJ, et al. A 12-wk egg intervention increases serum zeaxanthin and macular pigment optical density in womenJ Nutr. (2006)
  4. a b c d e f g h Hammond BR Jr, et al. Dietary modification of human macular pigment densityInvest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. (1997)
  5. a b Solomons NW, Bulux J. Plant sources of vitamin A and human nutrition revisited: recent evidence from developing countriesNutr Rev. (1994)
  6. ^ Stahl W, Sies H. Uptake of lycopene and its geometrical isomers is greater from heat-processed than from unprocessed tomato juice in humansJ Nutr. (1992)
  7. a b c d e f g h i Chung HY, Rasmussen HM, Johnson EJ. Lutein bioavailability is higher from lutein-enriched eggs than from supplements and spinach in menJ Nutr. (2004)
  8. a b c d Vishwanathan R, et al. Consumption of 2 and 4 egg yolks/d for 5 wk increases macular pigment concentrations in older adults with low macular pigment taking cholesterol-lowering statinsAm J Clin Nutr. (2009)
  9. ^ Surai PF, et al. Designer egg evaluation in a controlled trialEur J Clin Nutr. (2000)
  10. a b Borel P, et al. Low and high responders to pharmacological doses of beta-carotene: proportion in the population, mechanisms involved and consequences on beta-carotene metabolismJ Lipid Res. (1998)
  11. ^ Johnson EJ, et al. Ingestion by men of a combined dose of beta-carotene and lycopene does not affect the absorption of beta-carotene but improves that of lycopeneJ Nutr. (1997)
  12. ^ Henderson CT, et al. Normal serum response to oral beta-carotene in humansJ Am Coll Nutr. (1989)
  13. ^ Ahmed SS, Lott MN, Marcus DM. The macular xanthophyllsSurv Ophthalmol. (2005)
  14. ^ Junghans A, Sies H, Stahl W. Macular pigments lutein and zeaxanthin as blue light filters studied in liposomesArch Biochem Biophys. (2001)
  15. ^ la Cour M, Kiilgaard JF, Nissen MH. Age-related macular degeneration: epidemiology and optimal treatmentDrugs Aging. (2002)
  16. ^ Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8Arch Ophthalmol. (2001)
  17. ^ van Leeuwen R, et al. Dietary intake of antioxidants and risk of age-related macular degenerationJAMA. (2005)
  18. ^ Snellen EL, et al. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration and its relationship to antioxidant intakeActa Ophthalmol Scand. (2002)
  19. ^ [No authors listed. Risk factors for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The Eye Disease Case-Control Study GroupArch Ophthalmol. (1992)
  20. ^ Beatty S, et al. Macular pigment and risk for age-related macular degeneration in subjects from a Northern European populationInvest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. (2001)