The Health Benefits of Lutein

Preventing vision loss is a common concern, especially as we age. I’ve told you before about the safe, natural, and effective nutrients and lifestyle changes that can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. Today, I want to focus on the benefits of lutein, which is one of my top recommended nutrients for vision health.

Lutein is a phytonutrient and an antioxidant.  Lutein specifically it is a carotenoid that is found in many fruits and vegetables.  Lutein is most abundant in dark and leafy greens as well as in egg yolks.  Lutein is highly concentrated in the macula of the eye, with smaller amounts found in the retina, lens, and optic nerve. Together with other high-potency antioxidants, lutein helps block out visible blue light, one of the major causes of light-induced damage to the eyes.

This powerful carotenoid also helps ward off vision loss and more specifically helps to prevent macular degeneration.  Lutein increases the thickness of the macula. In one study, researchers gave 30 mg of lutein to two patients for 140 days, and found that their macular density increased by 21% and 39%.

Research has also shown that lutein can lower risk of cataracts. One study found that older women who had the highest levels of lutein (and zeaxanthin, another nutrient that is critical for vision health) were about a third less likely to have cataracts.

Other benefits of lutein include:

·  Helping to reduce eye fatigue and glare sensitivity

·  Promoting normal visual function and proper lens density

·  Strengthening eye tissue

·  Supporting visual acuity

As we age, our levels of lutein decrease because the body can’t produce it. Smokers, people with blue eyes and postmenopausal women have also been found to have lower levels of lutein. Fortunately, you can replenish the amount of lutein in your blood, and ultimately your eyes, through diet and nutritional supplementation.

Research has shown that taking 15–30 mg of lutein daily provides the best protection for your vision and overall eye health. Most people don’t eat enough dark, leafy green vegetables and egg yolks (the average intake of lutein via diet is 2 mg per day) The easiest way to get enough lutein is by taking a lutein supplement.

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