Lutein
What is Lutein for?
Lutein is called a carotenoid vitamin. It is related to beta-carotene and vitamin A. Foods rich in lutein include broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, and squash. Lutein is absorbed best when it is taken with a high-fat meal.
Many people think of lutein as “the eye vitamin.” They use it to prevent eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa.
Some people also use it for preventing colon cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Many mutlivitamins contain lutein. They usually provide a relatively small amount of 0.25 mg per tablet.
What is Lutein Possibly Effective for?
Preventing lutein deficiency.
• An eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. Limited research suggests that lutein might be helpful in the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa.
• Colon cancer. People who get a lot of lutein from their diet seem to have a lower risk of developing colon cancer. But it’s not known whether lutein supplements provide the same benefit.
• Breast cancer. Higher levels of lutein in the blood seem to be linked with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
