Lutein
- 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.
Contents
Uses
- 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 coloncancer, breastcancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
- Many multivitamins contain lutein. They usually provide a relatively small amount of 0.25 mg per tablet.
Benefits
Lutein is one of two major carotenoids found as a color pigment in the human eye (macula and retina). It is thought to function as a light filter, protecting the eye tissues from sunlight damage.
Other Names
All-E-Lutein, All-E-Zeaxanthin, All-E-3′-dehydro-lutein, Beta,epsilon-carotene-3,3′-diol, Carotenoid, Caroténoïde, E-Lutein, Luteina, Lutéine, Lutéine Synthétique, Synthetic Lutein, Xanthophyll, Xanthophylle, Zeaxanthin, Zéaxanthine.
References
Source: WebMD, “Lutien”, www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/