Benefits
•
Maintains Healthy Visual Function*
It has been well
established that lutein is present in high concentrations in the retinal
tissue of the human eye. However, a study was conducted in human volunteers
to determine whether taking lutein in supplement form actually increased the
density of the carotenoid pigments present in the macula. In this study of
eight individuals, researchers estimated the density of the macular pigments
prior to having each individual take 10 mg of lutein daily in supplement
form for 12 weeks. Plasma lutein concentrations were measured at 4-week
intervals. During the course of the study, plasma levels increased five-fold
from pre-supplement measures. It was also shown that macular pigment density
increased by an average of 5.3% after 4 weeks due to increased deposition of
lutein in optical tissues.1
A second study compared
the oral bioavailability of esterified lutein, the form in Best Lutein,
versus non-esterified lutein in 18 human volunteers. Serum levels of lutein
were measured at particular timepoints after consumption of a single dose of
lutein. Researchers found that in these individuals, the lutein ester
formulation was nearly 62% more bioavailable than non-esterified lutein, as
determined by a higher mean area under the curve (AUC) and higher serum
concentrations.2
A study was also conducted to
investigate the possible role of specific nutrients in protecting the lens
of the eye against aging, a risk factor for compromised visual function. The
study was comprised of 376 individuals aged from 18 to 75. Of the nutrients
measured, it was found that the lenses of individuals with higher
concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin showed less of an effect from the
aging process. The investigators concluded that these carotenoids may play a
protective role in supporting the maintenance of healthy vision.3
In addition, a double-blind
placebo controlled trial was performed in ninety individuals who had signs
of compromised visual function. Individuals were divided into three groups
and received either 10 mg lutein, 10 mg lutein plus a multivitamin/multimineral
formulation, or placebo for 12 months. In both the lutein and lutein plus
other nutrients groups, improvements were seen in mean eye macular pigment
optical density, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. No improvements
were noted in the placebo group.4 These results demonstrate
lutein’s beneficial effect on maintaining healthy visual function.
• Potent Antioxidant
Protection*
Most of the beneficial
effects of lutein are ascribed to its potent free radical scavenging
abilities. It is well-known that lutein is a carotenoid related to
beta-carotene and possesses antioxidant activity against a number of
reactive oxygen species.5
More direct evidence for the
free radical scavenging activity of lutein is found in studies of its
effects on human lens epithelial cells. Cell cultures were exposed to
ultraviolet light after pretreatment with lutein or alpha-tocopherol. Both
nutrients were found to reduce ultraviolet-induced damage to lens epithelial
cells. However, lutein was shown to have significantly higher
photoprotective activity than alpha-tocopherol6, demonstrating
its potential as a high-powered antioxidant.
A further review of the
mechanisms of lutein in conferring a protective role reveals evidence for
its antioxidant activity in various body tissues. Lutein has been shown to
be an effective antioxidant in vitro as well as in experimental models of a
number of body systems.7
• Diverse clinical benefits*
Evidence
from various experimental trials suggests that lutein may play a protective
role on the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Its antioxidant activity
may also extend to the heart, skin, lungs and blood vessels, making it a
nutrient with diverse clinical benefits. Lutein possesses the ability to
promote the health of many body tissues.8
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