Found in green vegetable, lutein is a carotenoid, or plant pigment, that may protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Lutein may also help protect your eyes from damage, which may be particularly beneficial for people at risk for developing an eye disease called macular degeneration. A physician familiar with your medical history is the only person qualified to tell you how much lutein you should take each day. For this reason, consult your doctor before you take lutein.
Understanding Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, also referred to as age-related macular degeneration, is the leading cause of blindness in people age 60 and older in the United States. This eye disease occurs when a piece of tissue in your eye called the macula begins to degrade. Symptoms associated with macular degeneration include blurred vision or an unusual blind spot in your central field of vision. As these symptoms become worse, you may experience difficulty seeing clearly while driving, reading or working on the computer. Unfortunately, there is no cure for macular degeneration. However, certain drug therapies, nutritional supplements, such as lutein, and surgical procedures can help prevent or reduce macular degeneration symptoms.
Recommended Dose
To reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration, you can take up to 6 mg of lutein daily, says RxList. People with age-related macular degeneration may experience a reduction in symptoms following daily treatment with 10 mg of lutein.
Contraindications and Medication Interactions
Although lutein may yield benefits for people with macular degeneration, treatment with this supplement isn't appropriate for everyone. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding shouldn't use lutein because its safety during pregnancy has not been evaluated. In addition, until more is known about the safety of lutein, avoid taking lutein if you have severe liver or kidney disease. To date, there are no known drug interactions associated with the use of lutein.
Adverse Side Effects
When used appropriately, lutein is generally regarded as safe. If you experience any health problems while using lutein, however, seek additional care from your doctor.
