Lutein belongs to a class of antioxidant compounds called carotenoids.
Lutein is the primary carotenoid found in the central area of the
retina known as the macula. Consequently, lutein appears to be
associated with protection from age-related macular degeneration, a
leading cause of blindness in older adults.
While the roles lutein and zeaxanthin play in the physiology of the
eye are not completely known, the links between lutein and eye health
are so strong that several national and regional health organizations
have recommended an increase in dietary lutein. Lutein is believed to
function in two ways; first as a filter of high-energy blue light, and
second as an antioxidant that quenches light-induced free radicals and
reactive oxygen species.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are found together in many food sources. Dark
green leafy vegetables are the primary source of lutein and
zeaxanthin, but they are also present in lesser amounts in other
colorful fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, orange peppers,
corn, peas, persimmons and tangerines. Unfortunately, diet surveys
indicate that few people consume enough of the foods rich in lutein
and zeaxanthin to support long-term eye health.
References:
Johnson EJ. The role of carotenoids in human health. Nutr Clin Care
2002 Mar-Apr;5(2):56-65.
Handelman GJ. Carotenoids as scavengers of active oxygen species. In:
Cadenas E and Packer L, editors.
Handbook of Antioxidants. New York:Marcel Dekker Inc 1996; p 259-314.
Hankinson SE et al. A prospective study of nutrient intake and
cataract in women. Brit Med J 1992;305:335-339.
Yeum KJ et al. Measurement of carotenoids, retinoids, and tocopherols
in human lenses. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1995;36: 2756-2761.
The Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. Risk factors for neovascular
age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol 1992;110:1701-1708.
The Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. Antioxidant status and
neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol
1993;111:104-109.
Seddon JM et al. Dietary carotenoids, Vitamins A, C., and E, and
advanced age-related macular degeneration. J Am Med Assoc
1994;272:1413-1420.
Good Health!