Lutein and zeaxanthin are compounds called xanthophylls (ZAN-thuh-fills), which are yellow pigments that occur naturally in many plants and vegetables. Though lutein is considered a yellow pigment, in high concentrations it appears orange-red.
In nature, lutein and zeaxanthin appear to absorb excess light energy to prevent damage to plants from too much sunlight, especially from high-energy light rays called blue light.
In addition to being found in many green leafy plants and colorful fruits and vegetables, lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in the macula of the human eye, giving the macula its yellowish color. Called meso-zeaxanthin, this carotenoid is not found in food sources and appears to be created in the retina from ingested lutein.
Lutein and zeaxanthin appear to have important antioxidant functions in the body. Eye Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
It is believed that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin in the macula block blue light from reaching the underlying structures in the retina, thereby reducing the risk of light-induced oxidative damage that could lead to macular degeneration (AMD).
A number of studies have found that lutein and zeaxanthin either help prevent AMD or may slow progression of the disease:
* Research published in Nutrition & Metabolism found that a nutritional supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin effectively increased the optical density of the macular pigment in eyes of the majority of human subjects.
* Studies published in American Journal of Epidemiology, Ophthalmology and Archives of Ophthalmology found higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet are associated with a lower incidence of AMD.
Furthermore, they say it is premature to recommend lutein or zeaxanthin supplements until large, well-controlled studies support the benefits of these xanthophylls in preventing macular degeneration.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is sponsoring a second Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) to evaluate the effect of lutein and zeaxanthin and two omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) on the progression of advanced macular degeneration and/or moderate vision loss in people at moderate to high risk for AMD progression.
The study, called AREDS2, will evaluate the effect of a daily nutritional supplement containing 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin versus a placebo among subjects between the ages of 50 and 85 years.
* Vitamin C - 500 mg
* Vitamin E - 400 IU
* Zinc (as zinc oxide) - 80 mg
An animal study published in August 2012 shows lutein appears to protect the retina from damage due to temporary decreased blood flow and reduced oxygen supply (hypoxia).
The lutein-treated retinas exhibited increased cell viability, less tissue damage and fewer inflammatory markers, suggesting lutein may exert both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory effect to protect retinal cells, according to the study authors.
In addition to protecting the retina, lutein and zeaxanthin also may reduce the risk of cataracts. Recent studies published in Archives of Ophthalmology have found that healthy diets with high levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids were associated with a lower risk and prevalence of cataracts in women.
It remains unclear how much lutein and zeaxanthin is needed daily for adequate eye and vision protection. There are no known toxic side effects of taking too much lutein or zeaxanthin. Popular lutein and zeaxanthin supplements include:
* EyePromise Zeaxanthin (Zeavision)
* ICaps Eye Vitamin Lutein & Zeaxanthin Formula (Alcon)
* Macula Complete (Biosyntrx)
The source of lutein in many lutein supplements is marigold flowers, while for zeaxanthin it is often red peppers. If you choose a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement, make sure it's a high quality product from a reputable dietary supplement company.
Foods Containing Lutein and Zeaxanthin
The best natural food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green leafy vegetables and other green or yellow vegetables. Non-vegetarian sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include egg yolks. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplements
Because of the apparent eye and cardiovascular benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin, many nutritional companies have added these xanthophyll carotenoids to their multiple vitamin formulas. Others have introduced special eye vitamins that are predominantly lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.
sources: allaboutvision.com
In addition to being found in many green leafy plants and colorful fruits and vegetables, lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in the macula of the human eye, giving the macula its yellowish color. Called meso-zeaxanthin, this carotenoid is not found in food sources and appears to be created in the retina from ingested lutein.
Lutein and zeaxanthin appear to have important antioxidant functions in the body. Eye Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
It is believed that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin in the macula block blue light from reaching the underlying structures in the retina, thereby reducing the risk of light-induced oxidative damage that could lead to macular degeneration (AMD).
A number of studies have found that lutein and zeaxanthin either help prevent AMD or may slow progression of the disease:
* Research published in Nutrition & Metabolism found that a nutritional supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin effectively increased the optical density of the macular pigment in eyes of the majority of human subjects.
* Studies published in American Journal of Epidemiology, Ophthalmology and Archives of Ophthalmology found higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet are associated with a lower incidence of AMD.
Furthermore, they say it is premature to recommend lutein or zeaxanthin supplements until large, well-controlled studies support the benefits of these xanthophylls in preventing macular degeneration.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is sponsoring a second Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) to evaluate the effect of lutein and zeaxanthin and two omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) on the progression of advanced macular degeneration and/or moderate vision loss in people at moderate to high risk for AMD progression.
The study, called AREDS2, will evaluate the effect of a daily nutritional supplement containing 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin versus a placebo among subjects between the ages of 50 and 85 years.
* Vitamin C - 500 mg
* Vitamin E - 400 IU
* Zinc (as zinc oxide) - 80 mg
An animal study published in August 2012 shows lutein appears to protect the retina from damage due to temporary decreased blood flow and reduced oxygen supply (hypoxia).
The lutein-treated retinas exhibited increased cell viability, less tissue damage and fewer inflammatory markers, suggesting lutein may exert both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory effect to protect retinal cells, according to the study authors.
In addition to protecting the retina, lutein and zeaxanthin also may reduce the risk of cataracts. Recent studies published in Archives of Ophthalmology have found that healthy diets with high levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids were associated with a lower risk and prevalence of cataracts in women.
It remains unclear how much lutein and zeaxanthin is needed daily for adequate eye and vision protection. There are no known toxic side effects of taking too much lutein or zeaxanthin. Popular lutein and zeaxanthin supplements include:
* EyePromise Zeaxanthin (Zeavision)
* ICaps Eye Vitamin Lutein & Zeaxanthin Formula (Alcon)
* Macula Complete (Biosyntrx)
The source of lutein in many lutein supplements is marigold flowers, while for zeaxanthin it is often red peppers. If you choose a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement, make sure it's a high quality product from a reputable dietary supplement company.
Foods Containing Lutein and Zeaxanthin
The best natural food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green leafy vegetables and other green or yellow vegetables. Non-vegetarian sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include egg yolks. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplements
Because of the apparent eye and cardiovascular benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin, many nutritional companies have added these xanthophyll carotenoids to their multiple vitamin formulas. Others have introduced special eye vitamins that are predominantly lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.
sources: allaboutvision.com
Lutein and Zeaxanthin - Eye and Vision Benefits
4/
5
Oleh
Abine Naufal
