Lutein for macular degeneration

Lutein is a popular carotenoid dietary supplement sold in health food stores, either by itself, or most commonly combined with other carotenoids and vitamins for the prevention of visual disorders or to improve visual acuity and eyesight.. Macular pigment is composed of the two dietary carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin protect against age related macular degeneration. The relative lack of macular pigment seen in association with increasing age, tobacco use and family history of age related macular degeneration supports the hypothesis that the enhanced risk that these variables represent for age related macular degeneration may be attributable, at least in part, to a parallel deficiency of macular carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.
   People who consume high levels of the yellow plant pigments lutein and zeazanthin have a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

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Lutein for macular degeneration research
Eyesight Rx with goji berry extract, lutein and zeaxanthin, along with bilberry herb for eye health and eyesight improvement -- Improve your vision within hours or days. A revolutionary new product formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Lutein, 20 mg, 60 Capsules
Potency and Purity Guaranteed - Certificate of Analysis available.
Lutein is a potent antioxidant carotenoid found in abundance in fruits and green leafy vegetables. It is also one of the dominant pigments found in the macular region of the retina. In the macula, lutein is selectively accumulated from plasma and filters out visible blue light. Recent studies suggest this filtering process serves to protect the retina from damage caused by light or oxidation. This Lutein product is extracted from the marigold flower.




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Supplement Facts:
Lutein - 20 mg
Suggested Use: One lutein capsule with breakfast a few times a week, or as recommended by your health care professional.

Food sources
Lutein is found in dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolks. Kale and spinach have high concentrations, so do corn and collard greens. Consuming one egg a day increases serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations without elevating serum lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. For more lutein information.

Lutein and macular degenerations
Associations between intermediate age-related macular degeneration and lutein and zeaxanthin in the Carotenoids in Age-related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS): ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2006 Aug;124(8):1151-62. Moeller SM, Parekh N, et al. Author Affiliations: Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
To evaluate the relationship between dietary lutein plus zeaxanthin and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Women aged 50 to 79 years in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Oregon with intake of lutein plus zeaxanthin above the 78th (high) and below the 28th (low) percentiles at baseline in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study were recruited 4 to 7 years later into the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS), when the presence of AMD was determined by fundus photographs. The prevalence of intermediate age-related macular degeneration was not statistically different between the high and low lutein plus zeaxanthin intake recruitment groups after adjusting for age. Limiting analyses to women younger than 75 years with stable intake of lutein plus zeaxanthin, without a history of chronic diseases that are often associated with diet changes, substantially lowered odds ratios. Exploratory analyses of advanced age-related macular degeneration in 34 participants resulted in protective, but statistically nonsignificant, associations in the overall sample and in women younger than 75 years. Diets rich in lutein plus zeaxanthin may protect against intermediate age-related macular degeneration in healthy women younger than 75 years.

Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial).
Richer S, Stiles W, Statkute L et al. Optometry. 2004;75:216-30.
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in aging Westem societies. The objective of the lutein antioxidant supplementation trial (LAST) is to determine whether nutritional supplementation with lutein or lutein together with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, improves visual function and symptoms in atrophic Age-related macular degeneration. The study was a prospective, 12-month, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial conducted at an urban midwestern Veterans Administration Hospital from August 1999 to May 2001. Ninety patients with atrophic Age-related macular degeneration were referred by ophthalmologists at two Chicago-area veterans medical facilities. Patients in Group 1 received lutein 10 mg (L); in Group 2, a lutein 10 mg/antioxidants/vitamins and minerals broad spectrum supplementation formula (L/A); and in Group 3, a maltodextrin placebo (P) over 12 months. RESULTS: In Groups 1 L and 2 L/A, mean eye macular pigment optical density increased approximately 0.09 log units from baseline, Snellen equivalent visual acuity improved 5.4 letters for Group 1 L and 3.5 letters for Group 2 L/A, and contrast sensitivity improved. There was a net subjective improvement in Amsler grid in Group 1 L. VFO-14 questionnaires conceming subjective glare recovery were nearly significant at 4 months for Group 2 L/A. Patients who received the placebo (Group 3) had no significant changes in any of the measured findings. In this study, visual function is improved with lutein alone or lutein together with other nutrients. Further studies are needed with more patients, of both genders, and for longer periods of time to assess long-term effects of lutein or lutein together with a broad spectrum of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in the treatment of atrophic age-related macular degeneration.

Antioxidants, Lutein and Eyesight -- The January, 2003 issue of the medical journal Ophthalmology reports that antioxidants are helpful in improving eyesight in those with macular degeneration. The macula is a small area of the retina that has the sharpest vision. With age, the macula degenerates leading to poor eyesight. Thirty patients with early macular degeneration were divided into two groups, antioxidant group (A) and no treatment group (NT). Patients in the A group were given lutein, 15 mg; vitamin E, 20 mg; and nicotinamide, 18 mg, daily for 180 days, whereas NT patients had no dietary supplementation during the same period. In all patients and normal subjects, retinal assessment was performed at the start of the study and after 180 days. When evaluated at 180 days, the macula had improved in those taking the antioxidants while the NT group did not have any changes. The results suggest that increasing the level of retinal antioxidants influences macular function early in the disease process, as well as in normal aging.
   Comments: There are so many antioxidants to choose from for enhanced eyesight that it is difficult to recommend a specific combination that would apply to everyone. Supplements of lutein, vitamins C and E, and lipoic acid should be on the top of the list for eyesight improvement, along with, of course, plenty of organic fruits and vegetables.

Lutein pill questions
Q. Can ginseng plant extract be taken with lutein pills?
   A. There should not be a major problem as long as the dosages are kept reasonable. For more lutein eye info.

Q. Does maca contain a significant amount of lutein, what about tribulus terrestris?
   A. Not that we are aware of.

I have a question about your Lutein supplements. Before I purchase this product I would like to know exactly what else does this product contain. Is the capsule made from vegetable and what fillers or binders does it have?
    Rice flour, gelatin, magnesium stearate, water. This lutein supplement product contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn or wheat. Contains no salt, artificial preservatives, color, flavor or fragrance.