Lutein is a carotenoid pigment which acts as an antioxidant to defend against harmful high-energy light waves, particularly UV radiation. Lutein accumulates in retinal deposits such as macula where it absorbs damaging free radicals while providing additional protection from sunlight or other sources of oxidative stress.

Dietitians can help clients increase lutein consumption through healthy diet and supplementation, providing advice about what products may be safe and effective.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophylls

Lutein and zeaxanthin are yellow pigments found in many fruits and vegetables that belong to a group of organic compounds called carotenoids, making them key components in maintaining eye health. Both nutrients can be found in the retina of an eye’s retina where they filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light from entering. These two xanthophylls also protect eye cells and reduce cataract formation, helping to protect them against age-related macular degeneration and slow its progression. Lutein and zeaxanthin can be found in many foods, including egg yolks, spinach, corn and oranges. You may also take supplements as they’re generally well tolerated despite taking in regular dietary amounts – with no known adverse side effects! They have been shown to lower cataract risks as well as macular degeneration risk as well as possibly help protect against dry eye syndrome symptoms.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two xanthophylls belonging to the carotenoid family that contain antioxidant properties. Synthesized by plants and microorganisms, xanthophylls act both as pigments and photoprotective agents in our eyes while simultaneously quelling reactive oxygen species from retinal tissues – they’ve even been scientifically proven essential to human wellbeing! Studies have also confirmed this fact.

From among 600 natural carotenoids found in nature, only two carotenoids accumulate significantly in the macula of the eye – macular pigment optical density or MPOD is used to assess this concentration; people with low MPOD levels have an increased risk for wet AMD; studies by AREDS and AREDS2 indicate that taking daily lutein and zeaxanthin supplements reduce this risk by roughly 50%.

Though similar chemical structures, lutein and zeaxanthin differ due to having distinct chiral centers; as a result they form isomeric bonds with one double bond positioned differently, which allows them to absorb UV light more effectively thereby providing unique photoprotective properties. They are found naturally in green leafy vegetables, carrots, berries and citrus fruits – they are also commonly available as food additives, dyes or supplements for human use.

They are antioxidants

Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants produced naturally in our bodies and found in fruits, vegetables, and other foods. They play an integral part in protecting eyes by absorbing blue- and UV rays that could otherwise damage retinas. Studies have also demonstrated that supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin can lower your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts while improving visual acuity. Studies also indicate that these nutrients can boost retinal levels by taking dietary supplements to increase their presence. These supplements contain multiple nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium. A recent meta-analysis discovered that supplementation with lutein improved macular pigment optical density (MPOD) among dry AMD patients. Furthermore, contrast sensitivity increased and visual acuity improved as did its effectiveness at preventing advanced AMD from appearing among high-risk individuals.

Carotenoids play a vital role in maintaining eye health as you age, particularly as blue light exposure becomes harmful and cataracts and macular degeneration form more quickly. Their high concentration in macula serves as a natural filter against harmful blue wavelengths of light while also acting as an antioxidant, eliminating free radicals within your eyeballs.

Accumulating enough lutein and zeaxanthin may seem straightforward, yet many people fail to do so in their diets. You can easily find these components of Vitamin A in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens; egg yolks; corn kernels as well as orange/yellow vegetables (fruit) as well as nuts like pistachios.

Macular degeneration cannot be reversed, but the Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment Study or AREDS recently conducted research that revealed certain nutritional supplements may slow its progression and lower risks associated with advanced macular degeneration by 25% in high-risk individuals.

Dietitians can educate clients on the eye health benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin and provide a healthy balanced diet containing these important nutrients. If necessary they can provide advice regarding safe and effective lutein supplements.

They protect the macula

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoid pigments (colorless antioxidants) naturally present in the eye. Similar to beta-carotene, but distinct in that their bodies cannot convert it into vitamin A, these natural antioxidants play an essential role in maintaining eye health; protecting macula from damage as well as providing antioxidative protection against oxidative stress.

Researchers have noted the significant health benefits associated with lutein and zeaxanthin that researchers believe may help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Lutein and zeaxanthin may act as natural filters that block harmful UV rays from reaching retina, protecting macular area. Filtering can be achieved via absorption, reflecting or transmitting light processes.

Studies have demonstrated the protective benefits of eating foods containing lutein to reduce macular degeneration and other eye conditions. Lutein is a fat-soluble compound found in green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, corn and orange pepper – it acts as a natural light filter while neutralizing free radicals and increasing eye pigment density – all factors which help shield retina from damaging light sources.

Researchers conducted a recent study to investigate the impact of lutein supplementation on eye health among people living with atrophic dry macular degeneration. Ninety patients were randomly assigned one of three treatments over one year: placebo, lutein or combination with other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supplement. Participants assigned to take lutein experienced significant improvements in several areas including near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity function recovery timeframe and glare recovery as well as an increase in macular pigment optical density or MPOD.

Dietitians can assist their clients in improving their eye health by suggesting a balanced diet and eye supplements containing lutein. Dietitians can also recommend foods rich in lutein such as spinach, kale, egg yolks and other greens – which also contain other eye health-promoting nutrients like zeaxanthin and carotenoids that contribute to improved eye health.

They are safe

Studies conducted by Age Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) have demonstrated that supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin can significantly lower vision loss associated with dry macular degeneration. This combination of eye vitamins works by filtering blue light while acting as antioxidants to protect retina and optic nerve damage from UV radiation, helping absorb UV rays away from eyes allowing UV radiation damage prevention. A high dosage combination of these nutrients, along with vitamin C, E zinc and copper supplements is also believed to significantly decrease macular degeneration risk – researchers recommend taking lutein-zeaxanthin supplements to prevent macular degeneration and other eye conditions from occurring.

The AREDS 2 Study conducted research to see if supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids and increasing doses of lutein and zeaxanthin could make any significant impactful changes on age-related macular degeneration, the condition in which vision becomes lost over time. They concluded that by replacing beta carotene with these nutrients they reduced by 30% the likelihood of progressing to wet macular degeneration.

Eat leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach and turnip greens for maximum lutein and zeaxanthin intake. Incorporating these nutrients into other meals such as egg yolks, avocado, fish, oranges or dark chocolate will also provide substantial doses. If you experience discomfort from cruciferous veggies then taking low doses of these supplements might be an option for you.

Lutein and zeaxanthin supplements are also widely available, but you should exercise extreme caution with their dosage. An excessive consumption may cause oily skin conditions in some individuals as well as lead to acne, rosacea or other symptoms requiring medical intervention. It’s essential that dietary supplements of high quality without artificial colors or preservatives be chosen in order to ensure safe consumption.

Viva Eye Health AREDS2 formula is an outstanding daily multivitamin designed to meet and surpass the requirements of the AREDS 2 Study, Vision Institute Of Canada LAST Trial (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial), as well as Health Canada. This safe and effective supplement may delay AMD progression while helping prevent cataracts and dry eyes.