Carotenoids Like Lutein And Zeaxanthin Can Help Prevent Macular Degeneration
Posted February 13th, 2009 by adminLutein is one of over 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale as well as carrots and many other fruits and vegetables, lutein is employed by organisms as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption. Lutein is present in plants as fatty-acid ester that when digested convert to a substance that protects the eyes.
Lutein is also found in egg yolks and animal fats. Lutein is a lipophilic molecule and is generally insoluble in water because it’s a fatty acid ester. Lutein is concentrated in the retinas of your eyes and is necessary for good vision. A diet rich in lutein may lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Carrots, squash, and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are good sources of lutein. Green leafy vegetables also contain high amounts of lutein which are all an important part of a healthy diet.
The primary research on carotenoids have been carried out on lutein and Zeaxanthin. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the macula in high concentrations and may play a role in age related macular degeneration (ARMD). Lutein and zeaxanthin may protect the macula the retina from oxidative stress and play a role in an antioxidant cascade that safely disarms the energy of free radicals.
Although Zeaxanthin and Lutein are not essential nutrients, studies are beginning to suggest that they fit the criteria for conditionally essential nutrients. Low plasma lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations or dietary intake are associated with low macular pigment density and increased risk of age related macular degeneration.
Dietary deprivation of lutein and zeaxanthin in primates causes pathological changes in the macula. Should controlled clinical trials show lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation protects against the development or progression of age related macular degeneration and other eye diseases, then lutein and zeaxanthin could be considered as conditionally essential nutrients for humans.
Because antioxidants can provide increased protection against the oxidizing ultraviolet radiation of the sun, anybody that spends lots of time outdoors exposed to the sun should be concerned with ultraviolet radiation that can damage eye health and impact vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids that become concentrated in the retinal region of the eye known as the macula. High dietary intake of lutein-rich fruits and vegetables has been associated with a significant reduction in macular degeneration the leading cause of blindness in Americans over the age of sixty five.
In conclusion, sunlight exposure has been linked to vision loss and to an increased risk of age related macular degeneration the leading cause of blindness in people over sixty five years of age. In the United States, about thirteen to fourteen million people have evidence of age related macular degeneration and almost thirty percent of those over the age of seventy five who are affected. Lutein is essential for good eye health and can be found at your local or internet health food store.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Lutein and zeaxanthin is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.