Lutein and Eye Health
Going blind is a horrible thought for those of us born with normal vision, but vision impairment is a consequence of age. Unfortunately as the population reaches 85, a whopping 15% of the population will suffer from macular degeneration (MD). The eyes are a vital organ, and with help from a select number of foods our eyes will hopefully remain unharmed.
Lutein is considered a carotenoid which is a cousin of beta carotene. There are in total 600 types of carotenoids, however; only 60 of them are absorbed by the blood and only two are concentrated in the macula portion of the eye. The macula is the small region of the retina responsible for central vision. Lutein is naturally found in spinach, kale, oranges, and mango’s. Although some lutein is found in other areas of the eye, the majority is found in the macula.
Lutein protects the macula by filtering out dangerous blue light. Lutein act as a powerful antioxidant and reduces free radical damage to the eye. According to James Elliot, Phd “There has been substantial scientific research linking the benefits of the dietary carotenoid lutein.” Also in 2007 a 6 year study done by the National Eye Institute in Maryland found that lutein protects against blindness.
Lutein has been proven to be a safe supplement used to protect our eyes from Macular Degeneration. Currently the recommended daily allowance for positive effects is 6-10 mg/day.