| The benefits of lutein to the health of the eyes | | | | heart. It is a type of arteriosclerosis, commonly |
| are undisputed. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplements | | | | referred to as hardening of the arteries. In |
| are recommended to prevent cataracts, age | | | | atherosclerosis, cholesterol deposits accumulate on |
| related macular degeneration and to counteract | | | | the interior of the blood vessels and over time |
| the effects of the sun and oxidative stress on | | | | become hard plaques. |
| the interior of the eyes, as well as a treatment | | | | These plaques irritate the lining of the arteries |
| for people who have been diagnosed with macular | | | | leading to chronic inflammation and reducing the |
| degeneration. | | | | elasticity of the blood vessels. This condition may |
| The recommended zeaxanthin and lutein dosage | | | | eventually lead to ruptures or blockages. Although |
| varies, depending on a person's age, overall health | | | | the necessary zeaxanthin and lutein dosage to |
| and current condition of the eye. | | | | provide the most health benefits to the heart |
| While no USRDA or recommended daily intake | | | | have not been established, researchers for the |
| has been established, because of the known | | | | best daily supplements include 5 mg of lutein and |
| benefits of lutein, government officials have done | | | | 2 mg of zeaxanthin in their multi vitamin products. |
| surveys to determine the average daily intake of | | | | It is believed that chronic inflammation quickly |
| this antioxidant. It is estimated that most | | | | depletes the body's supply of antioxidants. Several |
| Americans consume about 1 to 2 mg of lutein per | | | | studies have suggested that lutein and zeaxanthin |
| day. The most common dietary sources are dark | | | | supplements, along with supplementation of other |
| green leafy vegetables. | | | | antioxidants may provide health benefits to people |
| The best source for pure lutein and zeaxanthin | | | | at risk for developing heart disease and cancer, |
| supplements is the marigold flower. Some | | | | two diseases in which chronic inflammation is |
| supplements contain lutein "esters", but it is | | | | involved. |
| unclear if the benefits of lutein esters are the | | | | These studies are among the reasons that the |
| same as those of pure lutein. In order for a | | | | American Heart Association and the American |
| supplement to provide the purported health | | | | Cancer Society recommend a diet rich in a |
| benefits, the ingredients must be "bioavailable" or | | | | variety of multi colored fruits and vegetables. It is |
| available for use by the human body. | | | | antioxidants that give fruits and vegetables their |
| The bioavailability of an ingredient in a supplement | | | | unique colors. |
| may be determined by the form that is used. In | | | | One of the final benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin |
| some supplements, esters are easily absorbed by | | | | supplements that we will discuss here is related to |
| the human body. In the case of lutein and | | | | the development of Alzheimer's disease. In recent |
| zeaxanthin supplements, it has been suggested | | | | studies, measured levels of several antioxidants |
| that esters are less bioavailable, as they are | | | | including vitamin A, E, lutein, zeaxanthin and |
| insoluble in water. If this is true, then the | | | | beta-carotene in the blood streams of patients |
| necessary lutein dosage, in ester form, would be | | | | suffering from mild cognitive impairment and |
| greater, to see positive results. | | | | Alzheimer's disease were much lower than levels |
| Much debate continues, but the best lutein and | | | | found in controls. |
| zeaxanthin supplements contain the pure natural | | | | Mild cognitive impairment typically leads to |
| form. | | | | Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Researchers |
| Research has shown that there may be many | | | | concluded that increased daily intake of |
| health benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin | | | | antioxidants could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's |
| supplements. As antioxidants, they may provide | | | | and other forms of dementia in the elderly. |
| protection against bladder cancer. Increased intake | | | | In conclusion, to provide the most benefit and |
| of lutein and zeaxanthin has been shown to be | | | | protection from age related diseases of all types, |
| related to improved bone mass in premenopausal | | | | supplementation should begin in early adulthood |
| women, so one of the benefits of lutein and | | | | and should include an appropriate zeaxanthin and |
| zeaxanthin supplements may be a reduced risk of | | | | lutein dosage. |
| osteoporosis. | | | | When combined with other vitamins, minerals, |
| Higher levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and other | | | | antioxidants and nutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin |
| carotenoids have been associated with a lower | | | | supplements provide many health benefits. Some |
| risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is one of | | | | suspected benefits of lutein have not been |
| the most common age related diseases of the | | | | discussed in this article, as research is still on-going. |