Lutein: Why is it a natural barrier for the eyes?

Lutein  is one of the few xanthophyllic Carotenoids that is found in high concentrations in the macula of the human retina. It is a natural substance that is found in large quantities in egg yolks and dark green leafy vegetables. A large number of basic and clinical studies have highlighted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lutein in the eye, indicating its beneficial effects in protecting and alleviating eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, myopia, and cataracts. Most importantly, lutein is classified as safe (GRAS) and has minimal side effects when taken long-term. Today, we will explore the effects of lutein and how to take it correctly.

1.What is lutein

Lutein is one of the more than 600 natural carotenoids discovered to date. Lutein itself is an antioxidant. Since the human body cannot synthesize lutein on its own, it can only be obtained through diet. Lutein coexists with zeaxanthin in nature. These two carotenoids make up the macula of the human retina. They are isomers that differ only in the position of the double bond. They have the unique function of preventing vision loss and blindness caused by age-related macular degeneration.

2. Two major mechanisms of action of lutein

1.) Antioxidant properties of lutein

Lutein protects the body's proteins, fats, and DNA from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and promotes the recycling of Glutathione (an important antioxidant).

As an antioxidant, lutein promotes the regeneration of rhodopsin in retinal cells. Rhodopsin is a chemical in the retina that breaks down under light and stimulates the optic nerve endings to transmit the stimulus to the brain, thereby producing vision.

2.) Light-absorbing properties of lutein

Because lutein is pale yellow, it can absorb light with a wavelength of about 460 nanometers (blue light band).

Lutein and zeaxanthin help improve or reduce eye diseases. They are the few dietary carotenoids that can accumulate in the retina, especially the macula (the back of the eyeball).

The macula is essential for vision. In addition to protecting the eyes by reducing free radical damage, lutein can also protect the eyes from harmful blue light by absorbing excess light energy.

6 major benefits of lutein for the eyes

1. Scavenging free radicals: protecting the retina and ensuring clear vision

Lutein is a high-concentration antioxidant that can prevent oxidative damage to the retina during the absorption of light; it also protects the microvessels in the eye and maintains good blood circulation. In addition to protecting vision, it also helps prevent cardiovascular sclerosis, coronary heart disease, and cancer caused by aging.

2. Filtering blue light: preventing light damage

Lutein: helps filter blue light, reduce color difference, and improve vision. Ultraviolet rays and blue light in sunlight entering the eyes will produce a large number of free radicals, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration and even cancer. The large amount of blue light emitted by electronic device screens is very harmful to the eyes. If lutein is not supplemented in time, it may cause eye diseases such as retinopathy, cataracts, and severe myopia.

3. Prevent glaucoma

Lutein can reduce the oxidation intensity of eye proteins. The higher the intake, the lower the incidence of glaucoma.

4. Delaying the occurrence of cataracts

Lutein is the only carotenoid in the lens. It can enhance the antioxidant capacity of the lens, resist damage from sunlight and free radicals, and delay or prevent the occurrence of cataracts.

5. Preventing sequelae of high myopia

High myopia is prone to retinal detachment, effusion, floaters, etc., and may even lead to permanent blindness. Supplementing sufficient lutein can provide sufficient nutrition for the eyes and reduce the occurrence of lesions.

6. Reduce macular degeneration and lesions

Macular degeneration is the main cause of blindness in the elderly. Experiments have shown that lutein can help patients with age-related macular degeneration improve their vision.

There are usually two ways to supplement lutein in vitro:

1. Dietary supplements, that is, eating foods rich in lutein

Lutein is a nutrient that can be absorbed through daily consumption of yellow-orange fruits and green leafy vegetables. It is mainly found in vegetables, especially green vegetables,

the higher the lutein content.

2. Medicinal supplementation, that is, taking lutein supplements, but two points need to be noted:

Supplementation should not be excessive. According to the "Reference Intake of Dietary Nutrients for Chinese Residents", daily intake of 6-10 mg of lutein is beneficial to maintaining

eye health; 40 mg/day is the upper limit of lutein tolerance, which belongs to the therapeutic dose and should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Long-term excessive intake may

increase the burden on the liver.

Precautions

1. Eat after meals to improve absorption rate

Since lutein is a fat-soluble nutrient, vegetables rich in lutein must be cooked with cooking oil to effectively release lutein and improve the body's absorption rate. Therefore, if you want

to supplement lutein through healthy food, it is generally recommended to take it half an hour after a meal to promote absorption, or choose free lutein to increase the absorption rate.

2. Long-term use has significant effects

Lutein must be taken for a long time to accumulate to a certain concentration in the body. Since the human body absorbs lutein, it is recommended to take it daily for more than 3

months to benefit your health.