What is lutein?
 
Lutein is a yellow-orange, fat-soluble carotene, one of a class of natural food pigments (colouring compounds), similar to beta carotene which gives carrots their orange colour. These pigments help our eyes filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light which we are exposed to both indoors and out.

The leading cause of blindness in adults over 40 is degeneration of the macula (the centre of the retina) of the eyes. This is called age-related macular degeneration or AMD. Smokers, Baby Boomers, women, and people with blue eyes are at the greatest risk for AMD. A lifetime of exposure to the sun’s light causes degeneration of the macula, which reduces the ability of the retina to pick up and transmit images to the brain, leaving reduced vision and only some degree of peripheral vision. AMD can put an end to normal activities like reading or doing fine handiwork.

Regular dietary supplementation with lutein can provide significant protection for the eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin, a related protective pigment, are able to absorb harmful blue light, helping to counteract damage by the sun’s rays.

Cataracts are another debilitating eye problem.  It is caused by solar damage to the proteins in the lens of the eye. The eye lens can accumulate lutein to prevent cataracts and when there is a high level of lutein in the macula, a reduced incidence of cataracts has been observed. People who regularly consume green leafy vegetables in their diet are at significantly less risk for AMD and cataracts than those who do not consume these nutrients.

A Harvard University study examined the prevalence of cataracts in 50,000 nurses. The women who consumed five servings per week of spinach had significantly lower risk for cataracts than those who consumed five servings per week of carrots, sweet potatoes, or winter squash. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are the best sources of lutein.

If you do not eat plenty of green leafy vegetables every day, then dietary supplements containing lutein are an excellent option for protecting the macula and lens of your eyes from the destructive rays of the sun, and from other environmental damage.