Eye Health
Lutein and Cataracts
Research has suggested a minimum of 6-10 mg per day of lutein is necessary to realize lutein's health benefits. One such benefit is lutein's role in eye health, specifically its role in reducing the risk of cataract extraction.**
The report from a research project called the Beaver Dam Eye Study, which involves adults from 43-84 years of age, suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin intake may reduce the incidence of cataracts.** Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the lens.
Chasan-Taber and co-workers conducted a prospective study of 77,466 female nurses 45-71 years old, from 1980 through 1992. The results showed that nurses with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin had 22 percent lower risk of cataract extraction compared to those in the lowest quintile of intake. This study also showed that high intake of spinach and kale, green vegetables rich in lutein, may reduce the risk of cataract extraction.**
In a similar study, Brown and collaborators studied the association between carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) and Vitamin A intakes and cataracts extraction in 36,344 male health professionals 45 to 75 years old. Researchers found that men with the highest consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 19 percent lower risk of cataract extraction compared to men with the lowest consumption. Furthermore, among foods high in carotenoids, broccoli and spinach, vegetables rich in lutein, had the strongest association with a lower risk of cataracts.**
** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
