Lutein is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Classified as a carotenoid, this nutrient has a reputation for helping the eyes to function properly, both in terms of general health and their ability to process blue light. This antioxidant can be found in a number of different foods, notably dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and collards.
One of the main claims for the medicinal properties of lutein is that the carotenoid aids in reducing the chance of developing macular degeneration. Because a fair amount of the nutrient is stored in the eyes, it is thought to have a direct impact on the condition of the macula, the portion of the retina that determines the quality of central vision. There is also some evidence that lutein helps protect the eyes from free radicals, thus minimizing damage caused by the rays of the sun.
Along with fruits and vegetables, it is also possible to obtain lutein from various types of animal fats. Egg yolks are a particularly good source for the antioxidant, although the cholesterol content of the yolks sometimes inhibits using this resource. Consuming fruits such as kiwi and grapes along with turnip greens and similar vegetables is usually considered a better option.
It is also possible to utilize lutein supplements as a means of boosting the amount of the antioxidant in the body. In some cases, the lutein supplement is combined with other vitamins and thiamin to encourage healthy eyes. Combination lutein vitamins are offered for sale at most health food stores and vitamin shops. Herb shops sometimes carry blends of natural herbs that also contain significant amounts of the antioxidant in the mixture of ingredients.
At present, there is no universal minimum daily requirement established for lutein consumption. Some herbalists and alternative practitioners recommend six milligrams each day as a maintenance dose, with larger doses utilized to treat eyes that are tired. When larger doses are consumed regularly, there is the possibility of the skin taking on a slightly bronze tone.
Testing of lutein and the role the antioxidant plays in maintaining the eyes continues to take place. Along with some results that indicate the carotenoid helps prevent macular degeneration, some research indicates that the substance can also help with blurred vision and sensitivity to various types of light. However, it must be noted that no research results from any study are accepted throughout the medical community. This means some physicians may recommend the use of a supplement product while others will employ different treatments for various eye problems.
Lutein is one of the important vitamins for eyesight. There is strong evidence suggesting that lutein protects the eyes from the two common age-related eye disorders, cataract and macular degeneration. Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Additionally, lutein works with zeaxanthin in forming a yellow pigment in the retina that absorbs blue light, a damaging component of sunlight.
Lutein protects the skin from free-radical damage and UV damage. Clinical studies suggest that lutein reduces inflammation and redness in the skin, the common symptoms of sunburn. As an antioxidant, lutein increases blood supply in the skin to keep its supple elasticity and healthy tone.
Like most antioxidants, lutein is involved in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It prevents lipid oxidation that usually results to plaques that clogs the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of stroke, hypertension, heart attack and other heart diseases.
Lutein exhibits anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting benefits. These benefits of lutein are due to its potent antioxidant activities that neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are substances that constitute to the early signs of aging, induce inflammation, and weaken the immune system.
Medical practitioners often suggest that regular consumption of lutein by natural sources is always advisable instead of consuming any artificial pill or supplement. However, there are people who choose to have a daily intake of the artificially manufactured one.
An aging eyesight, in some cases, requires the support of lutein, and physicians have observed that the human body requires 6-10 mg of daily dosage. This intake is specifically tailored to ensure that the consumer does not suffer from Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), cancer or retinal disorders. The major problem about lutein side effects is that its negative consequences have never been documented or studied by major medical bodies. In addition to this, there are many factors that affect or contribute to the occurrence of side effects of lutein. For example weight of a patient, age, gender, status of eyesight, etc. If you look at the broader picture, lutein as a medicine that needs to be taken under the supervision of an ophthalmologist or a physician.
The drawback is that our body tends to store all the artificial lutein. The human body does not manufacture or process its own lutein. The artificial one being the pure form, gets deposited onto the human skin, blood and within the eyes. In contrast to this phenomenon, a natural intake ensures that lutein is assimilated by the body in a controlled manner and is not piled up, unnecessarily. Apart from that, there is also a risk of over-dosage in a single go (single dose).
The buildup of lutein causes 2 major negative effects on the human body. The first effect is more generic, as the patient might complain about breathing problems, irritating cough and cold and chest pain. If the deposition is quite intense then a person might also experience a dizzy feeling, irritation in eyes and skin. There are also cases where the intensity of deposition might reach the pinnacle and the person might experience itchy and swollen facial skin. Some people have also reported to have experienced blurred vision accompanied by a considerable itch in the eye. In some cases, people have also complained about heartburn and minor digestive problems due to over dosage of lutein.
Among all the side effects, carotenosis is the most significant and commonly observed one. In this condition, the excessive presence of carotene (yellow pigment) in blood is results into higher levels of serum carotenoids. In this condition, large quantities of serum carotenoids, are seen significantly in the skin which leads to an eventual discoloration of the skin, giving it a yellowish appearance. There is no specific medication or treatment for such a side effect and it eventually subsides within a time span of a few months.
...Lutein Softgels January 12, 2009, From California
great to protect my blue eyes from macular degeneration
I like this product! February 19, 2009, From Canada
This Lutein seems to relax my eyes and I don't get as much eyestrain as before. It works better for me than some of the more expensive eye supplements such as Ginkgold eyes.
...Lutein 60 softgels March 13, 2008, From Oklahoma
Taking this supplement seems to help my vision. When I take this colors are brighter.
protect you eyes!! August 19, 2010, From California
I am an eye doctor. Ophthalmologic research now proves the necessity of lutein and zeaxanthin in our daily diet. It protects us from macular degeneration, improves night vision, decreases glare, and reduces cataract onset by 38%! ... Lutein and zeaxanthin are now standard of care treatment in ophthalmology! I personally have taken this product for several years. On Macular Pigment Optical Density testing, I score 45% above the minimum needed to protect the macula from degeneration!
Eye strain is gone June 24, 2009, From Oregon
After using this product for just a few weeks I noticed a significent improvement in eye strain caused by computer and reading. Lutein nourishes the eyes quickly, at least in my experience. I'm keeping this product on my reorder list.
Excellent March 23, 2007, From Japan
I watch a display more than 5 hours a day. Before I take lutein, I got my eyes tired everyday. After I started to take this lutein, I am free from tired eyes. It is amazing.