Introduction

Lutein is a xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein is synthesized only by plants, and like other xanthophylls is found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and yellow carrots. In green plants, xanthophylls act to modulate light energy and serve as non-photochemical quenching agents to deal with triplet chlorophyll, which is overproduced at very high light levels, during photosynthesis.

Animals obtain lutein by ingesting plants. In the human retina, lutein is absorbed from blood specifically into the macula lutea, although its precise role in the body is unknown. Lutein is also found in egg yolks and animal fats.

Lutein is a type of vitamin called a carotenoid. It is related to beta-carotene and vitamin A. Foods rich in lutein include egg yolks, broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, and squash. Lutein is absorbed best when it is taken with a high-fat meal.

Uses

Likely Effective for lutein deficiency: Taking lutein by mouth is effective for preventing lutein deficiency. Possibly Effective for an eye disease that leads to vision loss in older adults (age-related macular degeneration or AMD): People who eat higher amounts of lutein in their diet seem to have a lower risk of developing AMD. But people who already eat high amounts of lutein might not benefit from increasing their intake even more. Cataracts: Eating higher amounts of lutein is linked with a lower risk of developing cataracts. Cancer that starts in white blood cells (non-Hodgkin lymphoma): People who eat higher amounts of lutein in their diet or take lutein supplements might have a lower chance of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Side Effects

There appear to be very few side effects associated with lutein and zeaxanthin supplements. A large-scale eye study found no adverse effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements over five years. The only side effect identified was some skin yellowing that was not considered harmful. However, one case study found crystal development in the eyes of an older woman who supplemented with 20 mg of lutein per day and also consumed a high-lutein diet for eight years. Once she stopped taking the supplement, the crystals disappeared in one eye but remained in the other.

Lutein and zeaxanthin have an excellent safety profile. Research estimates that 0.45 mg per pound (1 mg per kg) of body weight of lutein and 0.34 mg per pound (0.75 mg per kg) of body weight of zeaxanthin daily are safe. For a 154-pound (70-kg) person, this equates to 70 mg of lutein and 53 mg of zeaxanthin.

A study in rats found no adverse effects for lutein or zeaxanthin for daily doses of up to 1,814 mg per pound (4,000 mg/kg) of body weight, which was the highest dose tested. Though there are very few reported side effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements, more research is needed to evaluate the potential side effects of very high intakes.

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