Lutein is a carotenoid, a red, yellow or orange plant pigment that acts as an antioxidant, destroying harmful substances in cell DNA that can contribute to diseases such as cancer or heart disease. The body doesn't make lutein, so it must come from dietary sources such as fruits and vegetables. Only two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which together are classified as xanthophylls, appear in the lens and retina of the eye. Lutein may have a number of uses in the body, although research into its benefits is ongoing.
Macular Degeneration Benefits
Lutein may help prevent or even treat age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over age 60. Lutein and zeaxanthin may filter out blue light that passes through the lens and can cause damage to the retina. The Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial, or LAST, study conducted by researchers from North Chicago VA Medical Center reported in the April 2004 issue of "Optometry Ð The Journal of the American Optometric Association" that patients who received 20 mg of lutein daily had significant improvement in several areas of vision over those receiving a placebo.
Cataracts
Cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye, often occurs as people age, causing vision loss. Lutein may decrease the risk of developing cataracts, although further study is needed. The Beaver Dam Eye Study conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School and reported in the May 1999 "American Journal of Epidemiology" found that dietary lutein had a possible weak protective benefit against cataract formation.
Cardiovascular Disease
Carotenoids such as lutein are fat-soluble, meaning they dissolve in fats and travel through the body in lipoproteins and other proteins and fats. High plasma carotenoid levels may help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, although not all studies have shown positive benefit, the Linus Pauling Institute cautions. More studies have shown benefit from high dietary intake of lutein and other carotenoids than with supplementation. An article published in the 2001 issue of "The Lancet" by researchers from the University of Southern California found that people with the highest serum lutein levels had the least plaque buildup over an 18-month period.
Skin Protection
Lutein may help protect the skin from the harmful and possibly tumor-causing effects of the sun. Researchers from Harvard University reported at the 2002 Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting that mice fed a lutein-rich diet took significantly longer to develop tumors after UV exposure than mice who did not receive a diet high in lutein. More studies are needed to establish definite human benefit.
References
- Macular Degeneration Support; Lutein And Zeaxanthin May Offer Protection Against MD; Dan Roberts; July 2008
- HealthCastle.com; Benefits of Lutein in Eye Diseases; Gloria Tsang, R.D.; January 2005
- Linus Pauling Institute; Carotenoids; Jane Higdon, Ph.D; December 2005
- "American Journal of Epidemiology;" Antioxidant Intake and Risk of Incident Age-Related Nuclear Cataracts in the Beaver Dam Eye Study; B. Lyle, et al.; May 1999
- Kemin Technical Literature: Lutein Studies and Skin Health
- "The Lancet;" Lutein May Help Prevent Atherosclerosis; Jane Bradbury; June 2001
