Lutein is what’s known as a carotenoid vitamin, which is a type of naturally occurring fat-soluble pigment present in plants.1, 2 Lutein is similar to beta-carotene and vitamin A and also acts as an antioxidant.1, 3 Your body can not create lutein on its own and therefore must be consumed through the diet.4 Lutein can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, kale, spinach, zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, tomatoes, grapes, and kiwi.1, 3 As a fat-soluble vitamin, it’s best to eat with a high-fat meal.1
Lutein Uses and Health Benefits
Lutein has a reputation for helping with a variety of health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.1 With its antioxidant properties, it may also help in treating various forms of cancer.1
Lutein’s most prominent health benefit is on the eye, so much that it’s been nicknamed “the eye vitamin.”1 It’s found in high concentrations in the macula, which is located in the eye in the center of the retina.2 It’s believed to act as a light filter to protect the eyes from sun damage.1 This makes it an effective treatment for the following conditions:
Lutein Side Effects and Precautions
Lutein is considered safe to take, and at this time there are no known lutein side effects.7 However, it may interact with certain herbs and medications. For example, taking lutein with beta-carotene or vitamin E can affect how each herb is absorbed by the body, though this effect is not considered dangerous.1
References
1.https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/754.html
2.http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2876009
3.http://www.herbs2000.com/h_menu/lutein.htm
4.http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/08/07/lutein-eye-brain-health.aspx
5.http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/macular-degeneration
6.http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/cataracts
7.http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2876009#hn-2876009-side-effects