Common Name: Lutein
Synonyms: luteine, lutien esters

Overview:

Lutein is a nutrient that belongs to the carotenoid family. Beta-Carotene is the best known of these carotenoids. Lutein is a yellow, fat-soluble pigment that is concentrated in the macula of the retina as well as the crystalline lens of the eye. Lutein is also found in some plants, algae and photosynthetic bacteria. Here, lutein works in conjunction with chlorophyll in gathering light for energy production in these organisms. At the same time it also protects these organisms from the toxic effects of ultra-violet radiation. Lutein which is naturally present in the macula of the human retina filters out phototoxic blue light as well as near-ultraviolet radiation from the macula. This is due in part to lutein’s powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to withstand decomposition compared to the less stable beta-carotene and lycopene. Lutein has been found to play a role in helping to prevent age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). ARMD is caused by sun damage to the sensitive tissue of the macula. Lutein appears to act as a natural eye shade helping to protect the retina from damage. It has also bee found to protect against age-related cataract formation in human beings.

Benefits

Lutein has been studied extensively and it benefits in the maintenance of eye health confirmed.

1. Epidemiological data has found a strong link between low blood levels of lutein and the risk of developing age related macular degeneration. Laboratory testing has indicated that supplementing with lutein may offer protection from ARMD.
2. A study at the Chicago Veterans Hospital called the LAST (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial) was the first to record improvement in several key visual functions in relation to ARMD.
3. A multi-centered study of lutein intake in 356 men between the ages of 55 and 80 showed that those with the highest intake of carotenoids had a 43% lower risk of developing ARMD than those who consumed low levels of these carotenoids. Lutein was most strongly associated with this reduced risk.
4. Researchers conducted a double- blind, placebo- controlled study of lutein. In this study 90 people with dry type ARMD were followed for 12 months. These recipients received lutein (10mg), lutein plus other antioxidants, lutein, antioxidants and a multivitamin, or nothing at all. After the 12 month study was concluded, those who took lutein alone or with other supplements showed improvements in vision. No improvement was seen in the placebo group.
5. A small 2 year study showed that lutein helped slow the development of cataracts and improved the vision in those who already have cataracts.

Dietary Sources

Good dietary sources of lutein are:

	Spinach		Romaine Lettuce
	Collard Greens		Kale
	Peas		Egg Yolks

Recommended Dosage:

Dietary intake of lutein of between 6.9 and 11.7mg daily has been associated with a decreased risk of developing age related macular degeneration.

Nutritional supplements on the market contain from .25mg to 20mg of lutein.

Contra-indications

1. Taking beta-carotene with lutein may decrease the absorption of lutein.
2. Taking medium chain fatty acids with lutein may decrease the absorption of lutein.
3. Taking apple pectin with lutein may decrease the absorption of lutein.
4. Lutein supplements should not be used in treating vitamin A deficiency as it is not converted into vitamin A.
5. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using lutein. Lutein supplements have not been tested on children. Therefore children should get lutein from the food they eat.

Drug interactions

1. Taking cholestyramine with lutein may decrease the absorption of lutein
2. Taking colestipol with lutein may decrease the absorption of lutein.
3. Taking mineral oil with lutein may decrease the absorption of lutein.
4. Taking orlistat with lutein may decrease the absorption of lutein.

Web References

1. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/selenium/
2. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lut_0164.shtml
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutein

Printed Reference Material

1. Berendschot TT, Goldbohm RA, Klö pping WA, et al. Influence of lutein supplementation on macular pigment, assessed with two objective techniques. Invest Opthalmol Vis Sci. 2000; 41:3322-3326.
2. Bone RA, Landrum JT, Dixon Z, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin in the eyes, serum and diet of human subjects. Exp Eye Res. 2000; 71:239-245.
3. Bone RA, Landrum JT, Friedes LM, et al. Distribution of lutein and zeaxanthin stereoisomers in the human retinal. Exp Eye Res. 1997; 64:211-218.
4. Bone RA, Landrum JT, Tarsis SL. Preliminary identification of the human macular pigment. Vision Res. 1985; 25:1531-1535.
5. Bowen PE, Clark JP. Lutein esters having high bioavailability. International patent publication number: WO 98/45241. International publication date: 15 October 1998.
6. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in U.S. men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70:517-524.
7. Carper, J. 1995. Stop Aging Now. HarperCollins Publishers, 10 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022-5299. Pp. 9, 209, 210, 252, 255.
8. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in U.S. women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70:509-516.
9. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2000:325-382.
10. Erdman JW Jr. Variable bioavailability of carotenoids from vegetables (editorial). Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70:179-180.
11. Garnett KM, Glerhart DL, Guerra-Santos LH. Method of making pure 3R-3' R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin for human ingestion. United States Patent Number: 5,854,015. Date of Patent: Dec. 29, 1998.
12. Gey KF. 1995. Cardiovascular disease and vitamins. Concurrent correction of 'suboptimal' plasma antioxidant levels may, as important part of 'optimal' nutrition, help to prevent early stages of cardiovascular disease and cancer, respectively. Bibl Nutr Dieta. 1995; (52): 75-91. Review.
13. Hammond BR Jr, Wooten BR, Snodderly DM. Density of the human crystalline lens is related to the macular pigment carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Optom Vis Sci. 1997; 74:499-504.
14. Handelman GJ, Nightingale ZD, Lichtenstein AH, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma after dietary supplementation with egg yolk. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70:247-251.
15. Khachik F. Process for extraction and purification of lutein, zeaxanthin and rare carotenoids from marigold flowers and plants. International patent publication number: WO 99/20587. International publication date: 29 April 1999.
16. Koonsvitsky BP, Berry DA, Jones MB, et al. Olestra affects serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids but not vitamin D or vitamin K status in free-living subjects. J Nutr. 1997; 127(8 Suppl):1636S-1645S.
17. Kostic D, White WS, Olson JA. Intestinal absorption, serum clearance, and interactions between lutein and beta-carotene when administered to human adults in separate or combined oral doses. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995; 62:604-610.
18. Landrum JT, Bone RA, Joa H, et al. A one year study of the macular pigment: the effect of 140 days of a lutein supplement. Exp Eye Res. 1997; 65:57-62.
19. Mares-Perlman JA, Millen AE, Ficek TL, Hankinson SE. 2002. The body of evidence to support a protective role for lutein and zeaxanthin in delaying chronic disease. Overview. J Nutr 2002 Mar; 132(3): 518S-524S.
20. Mares-Perlman JA. Too soon for lutein supplements (editorial). Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70:431-432.
21. Nussbaum JJ, Pruett RC, Delori FC. Historic perspectives. Macular yellow pigment. The first 200 years. Retina. 1981; 1:296-310.
22. Olson JA. Carotenoids. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins; 1999:525-541.
23. Pool-Zobel BL, Bub A, Muller H, Wollowski I, Rechkemmer G. 1997. Consumption of vegetables reduces genetic damage in humans: first results of a human intervention trial with carotenoid-rich foods. Carcinogenesis 1997 Sep; 18(9): 1847-50
24. Roodenburg AJ, Leenen R, van het Hof KH, et al. Amount of fat in the diet affects bioavailability of lutein esters but not of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000; 71:1187-1193.
25. Siems WG, Sommerburg O, van Kuijk FJ. Lycopene and beta-carotene decompose more rapidly than lutein and zeaxanthin upon exposure to various pro-oxidants in vitro. Biofactors. 1999; 10:105-113.
26. Sommerburg O, Keunen JE, Bird AC, et al. Fruits and vegetables that are sources for lutein and zeaxanthin: the macular pigment in human eyes. B J Opthalmol. 1998; 82:907-910.
27. Sommerburg OG, Siems WG, Hurst JS, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with photoreceptors in the human retina. Curr Eye Res. 1999; 19:491-495.
28. van den Berg H. Effect of lutein on beta-carotene absorption and cleavage. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1998; 68:360-365.
29. van het Hof KH, Brouwer IA, West CE, et al. Bioavailability of lutein f
30. Watzl B, Bub A, Brandstetter BR, Rechkemmer G. 1999. Modulation of human T-lymphocyte functions by the consumption of carotenoid-rich vegetables. Br J Nutr 1999 Nov; 82(5): 383-9