Lutein is a natural pigment widely found in vegetables, flowers, fruits and some algae. It belongs to the carotenoid family and is the main pigment that makes up the macular area of the human eye.
The highest lutein content is broccoli, kale, spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, as well as flowers such as marigold, followed by plants rich in lutein esters such as pumpkin, peach, pepper, mango and citrus. Lutein esters are precursors of lutein.
What Does Lutein Do For Your Eyes？
1. Lutein is the main component of macular pigment in human eyes. Lutein can quench singlet oxygen, capture active oxygen free radicals, and play an antioxidant role. Studies have shown that regular consumption of foods rich in carotenoids, especially lutein, and increasing lutein intake in the diet can increase blood levels of lutein and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
2. At the same time, taking enough lutein in the diet can not only reduce the damage of blue light to retinal photoreceptor cells, but also effectively prevent the damage of computer or TV monitor light to the macula of the human eye.
3. Epidemiological studies have shown that regular consumption of foods rich in carotenoids, especially foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin, can prevent macular degeneration. Lutein accumulates in the retina, adding to the color of the macula.
4. Lutein is also one of only 2 carotenoids present in the human lens, although in much lower amounts than in the macula. They are also important for preventing cataract disease.
How Much Lutein For Eye Health？
The reasonable supplementation amount of lutein for children is 2-3mg per day, or 5-6mg of lutein ester.The dose recommended by the World Health Organization is 2mg/kg body weight, 10mg/day for daily health care, and 20-40mg/day for adjuvant therapy.
The natural lutein contained in plants is an excellent antioxidant, which can prevent cell aging and body aging at the same time.