Lutein information, FAQ and product listing page. This page contains information and frequently asked questions about lutein as well as a complete list of products containing lutein.
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What is lutein and what does it do?
Lutein is a carotenoid – a natural coloring element or pigment. You can find lutein in spinach, as well as other dark green leafy vegetables. It can also be found in fruits, corn, and egg yolks.
Lutein's primary use as a supplement is to protect the retina (sensitive part of the inner eye) from damage by the sun. Healthy eyes can be attributed to lutein, as it helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Additional studies have suggested the lutein provides antioxidant assistance to the skin, combating damage caused by free radicals.
What are the benefits of taking lutein?
Lutein’s primary benefit as apart of our diet belongs to its antioxidant properties. It helps reduce and destroy the free radicals located throughout the body. This is important due to the damage that free radicals, like ultraviolet rays and cigarette smoke, can cause. Free radicals also contribute to a myriad of chronic diseases.
Lutein is also beneficial as it filters out of the blue wavelengths of light that derive from the visible-light spectrum. It can filter out this high-energy light by as much as up to 80%. This is somewhat like the well known ultraviolet rays, but they are not the same. Filtering out blue light (in indoor light), as well as sunlight, is beneficial because of blue light’s ability to create oxidative stress and cause damage to open organs, such as the skin and the eyes.
Who can benefit from taking lutein?
Any healthy adult may benefit from taking lutein. In addition, those that are exposed to a more than usual amount of free radicals (particularly sunlight) may benefit from taking lutein.
Older adults can also benefit from taking lutein, as lutein helps combat macular degeneration which those older than 65 are more susceptible to being diagnosed with.
How much lutein should I take?
Research has indicated that at a minimum yof 6 to 10 milligrams of lutein should be consumed per day.
It‘s impracticable to try and consume enough lutein in your daily diet, as you would be required to eat a large bowl of spinach to get approximately 6 milligrams of lutein. Most Americans do not receive enough lutein from their regular diet, so supplementation is generally recommended.
Does lutein have any side effects?
No adverse side effects from lutein that have been reported.
Lutein is able to function together well with zeaxanthin, another common antioxidant found is similar foods/supplements.
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