Lutein

See also : Zeaxanthin
Other Names: All-E-Lutein, E-Lutein, Luteina, Lutéine, Lutéine Synthétique, Synthetic Lutein, Xanthophyll, Xanthophylle.
Lutein is called a carotenoid vitamin. It is a phytonutrient related to beta-carotene and vitamin A.

Special Precautions of Lutein

• Lutein is LIKELY SAFE for most people. Even high dietary lutein intake of 6.9-11.7 mg/day appears to be safe. Lutein supplements 10 mg/day for a year have also been safely used.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lutein is LIKELY SAFE when used in the amounts found in food.

The benefits of Lutein are

Lutein and zeaxanthin, found together in many vegetables, are potent antioxidants. In humans, they occur in high concentrations in the eye, including the lens, retina, and macula. For that reason, lutein and zeaxanthin are thought to be crucial to healthy vision. They are uses to prevent eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa.

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Consuming lutein as part of the diet might help to prevent AMD, but it’s not known whether taking lutein supplements works as well. There is also some information that taking lutein supplements (10 mg per day for 12 months) might help decrease symptoms of AMD, but more research is needed. Lutein supplements don’t seem to keep AMD from getting worse.
• Reducing the risk of developing eye cataracts, when high amounts of lutein are obtained from the diet. It is not known if lutein supplements offer the same benefit.
• Some people also use it for preventing colon cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
• research suggests that lutein reduces hardening of the arteries.

Food Sources

Foods rich in lutein include broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, squash, paprika, basil, parsley, marjoram, sage, thyme and cumin. Lutein is absorbed best when it is taken with a high-fat meal.