| y"> | | | | the human body uses to create its own vitamin |
| To take zeaxanthin and lutein supplements is an | | | | A, is found in carrots and other plant foods. There |
| alternative to eating foods that contain the | | | | are no risks associated with excessive |
| nutrients. The foods might not be on your list of | | | | consumption, except for a possible bronzing of |
| favorites. But, before you buy a lutein | | | | the skin. |
| supplement, take a few moments to learn how | | | | Beta-carotene is a carotenoid. So are lutein and |
| to judge the quality. | | | | zeaxanthin. Some brands contain a number of |
| Foods that contain the nutrients include kale, | | | | mixed carotenoids, all from vegetable sources. |
| spinach and collards. Other foods contain small, | | | | When you are comparing brands, be sure that |
| barely measurable amounts. Those include corn, | | | | beta-carotene, not retinol is listed on the label of |
| broccoli, eggs, oranges and green peas. | | | | ingredients. Any beta-carotene that the body |
| The lutein supplements currently on the market | | | | cannot use is simply discarded; no harm done. |
| are not derived from any of those foods, | | | | Of the studies that have been conducted |
| because of the low content. You have likely seen | | | | concerning AMD and other eye diseases, some of |
| some of the "whole food" formulas. Before you | | | | them concerned other nutrients and plant |
| invest in one of them, check the nutrient content. | | | | extracts. For example, bilberry extract was used |
| If it is not listed, then you really don't know what | | | | in several studies. It has been associated with an |
| you are getting. Whole food formulas are very | | | | improvement in night vision, an inhibition of eye |
| expensive. | | | | disorders like AMD and even a reversal of some |
| The nutrients are recommended primarily for a | | | | of them. |
| reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration | | | | In one study, bilberry extract was combined with |
| (AMD) and other age-related eye diseases. A | | | | vitamin E to stop the progression of cataracts. |
| large clinical trial is still ongoing to see if the | | | | So, instead of buying a single-ingredient lutein |
| nutrients can actually influence the progression of | | | | supplement, you might want to consider one that |
| AMD. What we do know is that relatively large | | | | also contains vitamin E and bilberry, as well as the |
| amounts of the nutrients are needed to make a | | | | mixed carotenoids mentioned above. |
| difference. | | | | There are no guarantees, of course, but it is safe |
| So, if the product that you are thinking about | | | | to say that a combination of different nutrients |
| buying contains less than 20mg total of lutein and | | | | will be more effective than a single one. Besides, if |
| zeaxanthin, look for a different brand. The better | | | | you are going to take a supplement, why not |
| brands provide 10mg of zeaxanthin and 50mg of | | | | take one that is good for your overall health and |
| lutein. | | | | well-being? |
| More is not always better. Some nutrients, such | | | | Personally, I don't take lutein supplements. But, I |
| as retinol, the animal-based form of vitamin A, | | | | do take a complete multi-nutritional formula that |
| can be toxic at high doses. Beta-carotene, which | | | | contains the nutrient. |