Lutein
This ingredient can be found in: Pop A Purple | Pop A Green
Lutein a carotenoid plant pigment, found in dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and turnip greens, as well as sweet corn and tomatoes. Lutein and another carotenoid, zeaxanthin, are accumulated in the retina where they absorb blue light, a harmful component of sunlight. Their ability to protect the eye from photodamage in this way is beneficial for general eye health. lutein is able to significantly improve visual acuity, especially in combination with vitamins, and minerals, and other antioxidants.
Lutein has been shown to help prevent age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in the West. This eye condition causes vision loss in the center of the visual field because of damage to the retina. The retina uses more oxygen than any other tissue, thus it is particularly susceptible to photodamage, the process by which light and oxygen form reactive oxygen species that damage cells. Lutein is a potent antioxidant that scavenges oxygen radicals, preventing cellular damage.
Lutein can also interfere with the inflammatory process of new blood vessel creation in the eye, called choroidal neovascularization. These new blood vessels can develop rapidly and can create a sudden deterioration of central vision.
High intake of lutein is associated with a lower risk for cataract. Cataract (clouding of the eyes lens) is another common age-associated eye problem. This condition can result from damage from environmental stressors like free radicals. The presence of lutein in the retina provides protection from photodamage.
References
- Santosa S, Jones PJ. Oxidative stress in ocular disease: does lutein play a protective role? CMAJ. 2005 Oct 11;173(8):861-2. View Source
- Izumi-Nagai K, Nagai N, Ohgami K, et al. Macular pigment lutein is antiinflammatory in preventing choroidal neovascularization. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2007 Dec;27(12):2555-62. Epub 2007 Oct 11. View Source
- Izumi-Nagai K, Nagai N, Ohgami K, et al. Macular pigment lutein is antiinflammatory in preventing choroidal neovascularization. : Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2007 Dec;27(12):2555-62. Epub 2007 Oct 11. View Source
- Jones AA. Age related macular degeneration--should your patients be taking additional supplements? Aust Fam Physician. 2007 Dec;36(12):1026-8. View Source
- Moeller SM, Voland R, Tinker L, et al. Associations between age-related nuclear cataract and lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet and serum in the Carotenoids in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an Ancillary Study of the Women's Health Initiative. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Mar;126(3):354-64. View Source




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