Spotlight on Supplements: Lutein

Did your parents ever tell you, “Eat your veggies, they’re good for your eyes”? My mother did. While not all the nutrition advice I received as a child was deeply rooted in science, there may be some truth to this one. EN looks to lutein, a carotenoid pigment, for its role in health, particularly eye health, as we age.

Overview. According to the World Health Organization, aging is the primary risk factor for many eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One nutrient that emerged as a key player in efforts to slow the development of these diseases is a carotenoid, lutein. Carotenoids are a class of nearly 800 naturally occurring yellow, orange, and red pigments synthesized by various plants, algae, and bacteria, but not by humans. Therefore, lutein must be obtained from the diet. The main dietary sources include dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), corn, and eggs. Lutein is a fat-soluble nutrient, so it’s better absorbed by the body when paired with fat in a meal. Americans typically consume about one to two milligrams (mg) per day, which may not be enough to obtain the purported health effects. Lutein is available as a dietary supplement either alone or in combination with other nutrients.

Evidence. Lutein and zeaxanthin, a structurally similar carotenoid, are the only carotenoids that accumulate in the human retina and lens where they absorb and buffer blue light to help maintain optimal vision. To date, many research efforts focus on lutein’s effects on intermediate or late AMD, such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). While no supplement can prevent AMD, data from the AREDS2 trial suggest that a combination of nutrients including antioxidants, two mg zeaxanthin and ten mg lutein, may help slow the progression to advanced AMD in people who already had AMD. At this time, more evidence is needed to determine lutein’s role management of other eye conditions, including cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

Safety. Since lutein is not considered an essential nutrient by the US Food and Drug Administration, there is no determined tolerable upper intake level. However, a 2006 risk assessment determined that lutein is safe up to 20 mg per day from both supplement and dietary sources with few reported side effects aside from mild skin yellowing. More data are needed to support long-term usage at high levels. Please check with your doctor before starting a new supplement or making significant changes to your diet.

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