What is lutein and what does it do?
Lutein is a xanthophyll, or an oxygen-containing carotenoid. Carotenoids are responsible for the naturally occurring yellow, orange, and red pigments found in foods. They are considered an essential nutrient — since our bodies can’t make them, we must get them through food ( 1 ). There are two types of carotenoids.
What is a lutein carotenoid?
Lutein is a type of carotenoid with strong antioxidant properties that have been shown to be beneficial for eye health, cognitive function, and heart health and may even help decrease the risk of some cancers.
What is the best way to take lutein?
Because lutein is fat-soluble, your body will absorb it best when you eat it with other foods, particularly foods containing fat. However, if you prefer, lutein is available in supplement form, often in conjunction with zeaxanthin or as a part of the AREDS-2 formulation for eye health.
What foods have lutein in them?
Some of the top lutein-rich foods to include in your diet are dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggs, oranges, and papaya. This carotenoid is obtained from both foods and supplements, which are generally considered safe.
Is lutein a carotenoid?
?) Lutein ( / ˈljuːtiɪn, – tiːn /; from Latin luteus meaning “yellow”) is a xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein is synthesized only by plants, and like other xanthophylls is found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and yellow carrots.
Is lutein an eye Vitamin?
It is related to beta- carotene and vitamin A. Many people think of lutein as “the eye vitamin.” Lutein is one of two major carotenoids found in the human eye (macula and retina). It is thought to function as a light filter, protecting the eye tissues from sunlight damage.
What are the health effects of lutein consumption?
Some positive health effects have been seen at dietary intake levels of 6–10 mg/day. The only definitive side effect of excess lutein consumption is bronzing of the skin ( carotenodermia ). As a food additive, lutein has the E number E161b ( INS number 161b) and is extracted from the petals of African marigold ( Tagetes erecta ).