Lutein

Lutein Clinical Report Summary

Lutein is typically used in the treatment of eye conditions, but may also be helpful for other oxidation-related ailments throughout the body. Lutein is well absorbed, as studies have shown that supplemental lutein consumption can increase blood levels of the carotenoid two-to-three times (4). Lutein has also been shown to vastly improve visual performance of people with cataracts when taken in doses of 15 mg/day as well as improving macular density when taken at 30 mg/day for 140 days (5, 6). Because degenerative eye conditions, such as Age Related Macular Degeneration, are often caused by long-term damage from sunlight, lutein has been considered valuable for macular protection due to its effectiveness as a blue-light filter and in aiding resistance to breakdown by natural sunlight (7). While there is a good amount of scientific evidence to support lutein's use for eye health, its use for other conditions still requires further scientific examination.

Lutein Overview

Lutein is a carotenoid found most commonly in the retinal area of the eye, but is also stored in blood serum, the skin, buccal cells, cervical cells and breasts. The most common dietary sources of lutein, which some researchers have concluded meets the criteria for a conditionally essential nutrient, includes spinach, collard greens, orange juice, egg yolk, corn and many other agricultural products (1). Supplemental lutein is typically derived from marigold plants, though sources can vary from brand to brand. Lutein works in conjunction with another retinal carotenoid, zeaxanthin, as both a blue-light shield and an antioxidant in the eye. Because lutein and zeaxanthin are the main carotenoids found in the macular region of the eye, the main focus of most scientific research on lutein has been on its effects on a variety of optical conditions (2). However, a good number of studies also examine lutein's antioxidant effects on heart disease, cancer and other conditions caused by oxidation. 

Safe Use of Lutein

Lutein and zeaxanthin are generally considered safe in daily doses up to 20 mg daily, but at higher doses may interfere with the body's ability to process some herbs or other dietary supplements (3).

Lutein References

1. Semba, R. D. and Dagnelie, G. Are lutein and zeaxanthin conditionally essential nutrients for eye health? Med.Hypotheses 2003;61(4):465-472.
2. Landrum, J. T. and Bone, R. A. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and the macular pigment. Arch.Biochem.Biophys. 1-1-2001;385(1):28-40.
3. Shao, A. and Hathcock, J. N. Risk assessment for the carotenoids lutein and lycopene. Regul.Toxicol Pharmacol 2006;45(3):289-298.
4. Torbergsen, A. C. and Collins, A. R. Recovery of human lymphocytes from oxidative DNA damage; the apparent enhancement of DNA repair by carotenoids is probably simply an antioxidant effect. Eur J Nutr 2000;39(2):80-85.
5. Olmedilla, B., Granado, F., Blanco, I., and Vaquero, M. Lutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: a 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nutrition 2003;19(1):21-24.
6. Landrum, J. T., Bone, R. A., Joa, H., Kilburn, M. D., Moore, L. L., and Sprague, K. E. A one year study of the macular pigment: the effect of 140 days of a lutein supplement. Exp.Eye Res. 1997;65(1):57-62.
7. Junghans, A., Sies, H., and Stahl, W. Macular pigments lutein and zeaxanthin as blue light filters studied in liposomes. Arch.Biochem.Biophys. 7-15-2001;391(2):160-164.