Lutein is an antioxidant carotenoid found in the eyes, where it filters short-wavelength light that can damage the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. It works with another vision-boosting carotenoid, zeaxanthin, to protect the retina from oxidative stress. Several studies have shown that people with higher levels of macular pigments containing these carotenes are at lower risk for macular degeneration and other eye disorders. Researchers have also discovered a third carotenoid in the macula called meso-zeaxanthin, which appears to be created from lutein in the body. A healthy diet high in both lutein and zeaxanthin can help prevent or delay the symptoms of macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness among people over age 60 in industrialized countries.
In a recent study, lutein supplementation (20 mg per day for 6 months) significantly increased the MPOD and macular pigment density in people with early AMD. However, it did not improve BCVA or FRT. This suggests that a long-term treatment with 10 mg lutein per day could be an advisable dosage for people with early AMD, and may also provide other health benefits.
Carotenoids are a group of natural plant compounds with antioxidant properties that are important to human health, especially in the eyes and skin. These compounds are believed to reduce the risks of a variety of eye and chronic systemic diseases, including cancer. They are also known to have anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects.
Xanthophyll carotenoids like lutein are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. A number of observational studies have shown that a diet high in these phytochemicals is associated with lower blood pressure, reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and better overall cardiovascular health.
There is growing evidence that a diet rich in lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin can decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration, which is the leading reason for blindness among people over age 60. This is because these nutrients are thought to filter out a percentage of the harmful blue light that can cause macular degeneration.
In addition, a diet that is high in these nutrients has been linked with a lower risk of other eye conditions that occur with aging, such as cataracts. Research has also shown that a diet high in these nutrients can help slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a condition affecting about one-third of people who have diabetes.
The recommended dietary intake of lutein is 6 to 30 milligrams per day for adults, which can be easily achieved through a healthy diet that includes lots of green vegetables. In addition to protecting the eyes and skin, lutein is also a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen the immune system and may be beneficial for other health problems, such as atherosclerosis (the buildup of fat in the arteries), according to some research.