Phytonutrients - Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Question 1

Eye health:

Answer 1

Functions:
* Both collect in the macula of the eye and absorb up to 90% blue light.
* Protect retinal cells from oxidative stress.
* Shown to protect against visual fatigue & improve visual contrast sensitivity.
* Lutein is thought to promote efficient neuronal signalling, improving vision.
* Lutein inhibits NF-kB signalling, reducing inflammation associated with eye disorders including uveitis.
Therapeutic uses:
* Age-related macular degeneration.
* Cataracts.
* Diabetic retinopathy.
* Uveitis.
* To support vision and protect against eye strain
Zea from Zea mays (common yellow maize corn), Xanthos,Greek for ‘yellow’

Question 2

Dosage:

Answer 2

• Lutein 10 mg / day and zeaxanthin 2 mg / day have shown to protect against age-related macular degeneration.
• Doses up to 20 mg / day lutein have been used in some research.
• 1 cup of cooked spinach or kale contains anywhere between 3 and 20 mg of the two carotenoids combined, with a much higher ratio of lutein.
• Carotenoids are fat-soluble; consume with a small amount of fat to increase absorption.
• Lightly steaming helps liberate carotenoids from the cell increasing their bioavailability.

Question 3

Dosage:

Answer 3

• No toxicities have been reported.
• Safety of supplemental doses during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.
• Dietary intake is considered safe with no reason to moderate intake.
• No drug interactions have been reported.