HWN Suggests

Unveiling a New Arsenal for Eye Health

The strongest evidence for eye benefits from dietary ingredients involves the two carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, both found in large amounts in the lens and retina. Lutein may help prevent cataracts through its ability to absorb damaging ultraviolet light, blocking oxidative damage. Perhaps even more important, these carotenoids may prevent and even partly reverse otherwise untreatable damage to the macula... Lutein and zeaxanthin are most prominent in dark green leafy vegetables, especially kale, collard greens, spinach and turnip greens. Some experts on low vision now recommend eating half a cup of one of these cooked vegetables daily to prevent development or progression of macular…

read full article

Featured

  Lutein and Zeaxanthin Explained

According to the AOA, lutein and zeaxanthin are defined as “important nutrients found in green leafy vegetables, as well as other foods, such as eggs. Many studies show that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.” Regarding their effectiveness, AOA notes that the National Eye Institute performed a study called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) that concluded “taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement reduced the risk of advanced AMD progression by about 25 percent and showed a 19 percent reduction in visual acuity loss in some of the subjects.” In this case, AMD refers to age-related macular degeneration, which, along with cataracts, are the leading causes of visual impairments and acquired blindness in the US according to AOA.

 Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Updated Studies on Carotenoids for the Eyes

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important nutrients found in various parts of the body, including the retina and eye lenses. Acting as powerful antioxidants, they are like an internal pair of sunglasses, filtering out harmful UVA/UVB and blue light. Additionally, they aid in reducing night glare, enhancing visual sharpness, and improving color contrast.

Articles of Interest

Carotenoids for Eyes: Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids - pigments found in fruits and vegetables. They are widely considered to be powerful supplements for the eyes. Carotenoids have potential advantages in promoting eye health. For instance, preventing age-related eye conditions, and maintaining vision.

Dietary Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Carotenoids and Their Role in Eye Health

The eye is a major sensory organ that requires special care for a healthy and productive lifestyle. Numerous studies have identified lutein and zeaxanthin to be essential components for eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments that impart yellow or orange color to various common foods such as cantaloupe, pasta, corn, carrots, orange/yellow peppers, fish, salmon and eggs. Their role in human health, in particular the health of the eye, is well established from epidemiological, clinical and interventional studies.

Eye Candy? Scientists Debate the Value of Lutein Supplements

Lutein and its close cousin zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-ah-zan-thin) are nutrients found in a variety of foods, including spinach, kale, collard greens and egg yolks. Lutein naturally found in marigolds is extracted to make dietary supplements, often sold in capsule form. Dr. Chew says there is no proof that lutein supplementation improves vision appreciably in people without eye disease.

Lutein and zeaxanthin - radio- and chemoprotective properties. Mechanism and possible use

Assuming, lutein and zeaxanthin significantly affect the well-being of the human body, and their appropriate amount in diet can help reduce risk of many diseases. For supplementation, the optimized dosage of these xanthophylls includes doses of 10 mg for lutein and 2 mg for zeaxanthin, and it is recommended to consume along with fats or meals rich in fats.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration—Neurodegenerative Disease

It appears that, in aging retinal tissue, inhibition of endogenous antioxidant capacity, marked by a decrease in macular xanthophylls—lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin—is a major contributor to AMD progression. The use of adjunctive therapy with carotenoid phytochemicals in clinical treatment algorithms for AMD seems to be justified.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers in Eye Health and Disease

Current evidence suggests lutein and its isomers play important roles in ocular development in utero and throughout the life span, in vision performance in young and later adulthood, and in lowering risk for the development of common age-related eye diseases in older age.

Not All Antioxidants Halt Macular Degeneration

"There's clearly an effect of lutein and zeaxanthin," says Emily Chew, deputy director of epidemiology and clinical applications at the National Eye Institute, and a co-author of the study. "Beta carotene has always been troublesome,"

The Best Lutein and Zeaxanthin Sources for Eye Health

The average American only consumes 1 to 3 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin per day from diet. Clinical studies have shown that 5-10mg/day can be beneficial to eye health, with approximately 6 mg/day being related specifically to decreased risk of AMD. People can increase our daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin by eating a diet rich in these nutrients or from a high quality dietary supplement.

Uncovering the Cognitive Benefits of Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Choline

Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macula lutea of the eye, and play the role of protecting the retina from oxidative damage (hence the term “antioxidant). Lutein is also known to be anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and may be able to help improve skin elasticity – that’s why it’s often an ingredient in skin creams. Getting enough lutein and zeaxanthin has been linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults. In addition to eye health, previous studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with cognition and memory.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein Save the Eyes and Improve Brain Circulation

Research supports the idea that nutrition has a direct impact on the brains and eyes throughout one’s lifespan from infancy (breast milk contains lutein) to old age.