| Lutein has long been used for d、ifferent | | | | signals from it. |
| purposes. This special nutrient is quite | | | | |
| multi-functional. The widest use of lutein is to | | | | The retina as a whole contains several |
| impart colors ranging from yellow to orange-red. | | | | components. Inside each rod or cone there is a |
| This function of lutein comes from its capability of | | | | membrane which consists of protein and Vitamin |
| absorbing blue light. The degree of color change | | | | A. Another abundant component found in the |
| depends on the amount of lutein. | | | | retina is called DHA, which belongs to the |
| | | | | omega-3 fatty acids family. Moreover, there are |
| Another function of lutein is to fortify chicken | | | | other nutrients found in the macula that is |
| feed. Chickens can not produce lutein naturally. | | | | situated in the center of the retina and responsible |
| Chicken feed fortified by lutein can make the skin | | | | for central vision, |
| color of a chick to appear in yellow. Another result | | | | |
| of the consumption of lutein-fortified feed is the | | | | Lutein and zeaxanthin are the most concentrated |
| yellow yolk. With this explanation, it is quite | | | | components in the macula. While lutein mainly |
| understandable why yolk is a good source of | | | | dominates in the peripheral of the macula, |
| lutein. For the human being, lutein can be gained | | | | zeaxanthin is the majority in the central macula. A |
| through fruits and vegetables. It is necessary to | | | | deficiency in these nutrients is much probably to |
| include enough fruits and vegetables in an eating | | | | cause macular degeneration. As a result, most |
| diet. | | | | supplement products on the market contain lutein |
| | | | | and zeaxanthin. |
| Some one may want to know why so many | | | | |
| supplement products contain lutein in their | | | | In the past, only beta-carotene was believed to |
| formulas. In fact, lutein as an antioxidant is closed | | | | be helpful for healthy vision. But now, other |
| linked with the eyes. One of the most important | | | | carotenoids such as lycopene are also proven to |
| parts of the eye is retina, in which there are light | | | | be beneficial. Good sources of carotenoids include |
| receptors including rods and cones. These nerve | | | | spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, carrots and |
| cells transmit signals to the brain and receive | | | | tomatoes and so on. |