An Update on Lutein: New Visual
Function Mechanisms and Skin Health Applications
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Lutein is a carotenoid found naturally in dark green
leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach and broccoli,
and in smaller amounts in certain fruits and corn. It
is one of the two main carotenoids found in high concentration
in the central retina.
Lutein acts in the eye as a macular pigment, helping
to promote the integrity and density
of the macula lutea. Studies have found that lutein
may support the eyes in a number of ways. First, lutein's
antioxidant activity protects ocular tissue from oxidative
stress. Second, lutein may work to improve gap junction
communications, resulting in improved signal efficiency
in the retina. Thirdly, lutein may filter the high-energy
blue wavelengths of light, preserving visual function
in part by minimizing retinal glare.*
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Lutein content of common foods
| Kale, 1 cup cooked |
51 mg |
| Collard greens, 1 cup cooked |
15 mg |
| Spinach, 1 cup cooked |
9 mg |
| Broccoli, 1 cup cooked |
3.4 mg |
| Peas, 1 cup cooked |
2.1 mg |
| Romaine lettuce, 1 cup raw |
1.4 mg |
| Corn, 1 cup cooked |
1 mg |
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Higher intakes of lutein have been associated with greater
macular support potential, as well as better scotopic ("night"
vision) and photopic ("day" vision). Clinical trials
involving lutein supplementation have suggested enhanced visual
acuity in subjects.*
New advances have shown that lutein may also have a role
in protecting skin from the daily assaults of sun exposure
and environmental pollutants. These factors can cause the
production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidizing skin
lipids and proteins. Located in the epidermis and dermis layers
of the skin, lutein likely works to protect the skin via its
antioxidant and/or blue wavelength light filtering properties.
In animal studies, increasing the amount of lutein in the
diet subsequently increased the amount in the skin. Large
amounts also trended towards a dose dependent decrease in
ROS generation following sun exposure. In humans, antioxidant
potential was also indicated in a double blind study. Participants
given an oral carotenoid mixture containing lutein were found
to have enhanced serum carotenoid levels as well as a significant
reduction in oxidative stress, as determined by blood serum
ROS activity.*
In addition, studies suggest that oral supplementation with
lutein helps minimize reddening of sun exposed skin. Animal
studies have also demonstrated lutein's ability to maintain
a healthy immune response in the skin. Furthermore, lutein
supports DNA integrity, suggesting its potential role in overall
skin cell health.*
Lutein is an important carotenoid for promoting ocular health
as well as protecting skin from free radical damage. Including
a variety of fruits and vegetables in the diet, especially
dark leafy greens, in addition to lutein supplementation in
the range of 6-20 mg daily provides powerful antioxidant protection.
Lutein can be found in concentrated form in Pure Encapsulations
Lutein 20 mg, OculoNutrients, and Macular Support Formula.*
References:
1. Gonzalez S, Astner S, An W, Goukassian D, Pathak MA. Dietary
lutein/zeaxanthin decreases ultraviolet B-induced epidermal
hyperproliferation and acute inflammation in hairless mice.
J Invest Dermatol. 2003;121(2):399-405.
2. Heinrich U, Gartner C, Wiebusch M, Eichler O, Sies H, Tronnier
H, Stahl W. Supplementation with beta-carotene or a similar
amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced
erythema. J Nutr. 2003 Jan;133(1):98-101.
3. Holden JM, Eldridge AL, Beecher GR, Buzzard IM, Bhagwat
SA, Davis CS, Douglass LW, Gebhardt SE, Haytowitz DB, Schakel
S. 1999. Carotenoid Content of U.S. Foods: An Update of the
Database. J. Food Comp. Anal: 12:169-196.
4. Lee EH, Faulhaber D, Hanson KM, Ding W, Peters S, Kodali
S, Granstein RD. Dietary lutein reduces ultraviolet radiation-induced
inflammation and immunosuppression. J Invest Dermatol. 2004;
122(2):510-517.
5. Morganti P, Fabrizi G, Bruno C. Protective effects of oral
antioxidants on skin and eye function. Skinmed. 2004; 3(6):
310-316.
6. Stringham JM, Hammond BR. Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin:
possible effects on visual function. Nutr Rev. 2005: 62(2):
59-64.
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