The Food Supplement for the Eyes

This time we will discuss about one of the composition of some food supplement today – the Lutein. The knowledge about the substance is of great help for those who want to take the food supplement but don’t know what lutein is all about. For those who don’t know what lutein is, let’s discuss it today.

Lutein is a yellow or orange pigment found in some fruits and vegetables. It is a carotenoid (same family as beta carotene which is found in carrots) commonly found in deep green vegetables such as spinach and kale, lutein is employed by organisms as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption. Lutein is also found in egg yolks, animal fats and the corpus luteum. Lutein is a lipophilic molecule and is generally insoluble in water. It has powerful antioxidant properties which specially beneficial to the eyes and it promotes healthy retinas. Lutein is a fat soluble pigment and a primary carotenoid in the macula, a small area in the center of the retina responsible for central vision. It may act as a filter to protect the macula to potentially damaging forms of light. Consequently Lutein appears to be associated with protection from age-related degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in older adults).

In January 2008, it was reported in Archives of Ophthalmology indicated that higher intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin and vitamin E are associated with decreased risk of cataract. Lutein is necessary for good vision. A diet rich in lutein may lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein may also help prevent or slow down atherosclerosis, the thickening of arteries, which is a major risk for cardiovascular disease. The hypothesis for the natural concentration is that lutein helps protect from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Various research studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye. Several studies also show that an increase in macula pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration.

Carrots, squash and other orange and yellow fruits like kiwi, peas, grapes, corn and vegetables are sources of lutein. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli also contain high amounts of lutein. All are an important part of a healthy diet.

Dark green vegetables – 15 – 47% lutein
Egg yolk– more than 85%
Corn – 60%
Yellow-orange bell pepper - 37%
Kiwi fruits, grapes, spinach, orange juices, zucchini and different kind of squash – 30 -50%

Suggested daily use is 6 mg. of lutein per day from food. Lutein in supplemental form should be taken with food to improve absorption. No lutein toxicity has been identified and there’s no known drug interactions with lutein. Lutein is also available as a dietary supplement. The Age Related Eye Disease study found that high doses of lutein, combined with other antioxidants, may help slow down the progression of macular degeneration.

For those people who want to have a good eye vision, it was recommended to eat green and yellow fruits and vegetables or if necessary, and if you have a low lutein-riched vegetable diet intake, a food/medicine supplement with lutein is highly recommended.