Lutein Takes the Lead as the Number One Nutrient for Eye Health

Recent large scale studies show that two antioxidant carotenoids, Lutein and Zeaxanthin have overtaken Beta Carotene as the most important nutrient for eye health. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are also members of the carotenoid family but they are the only carotenoids that are actually found in the eye.

What is Lutein?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the macula and the lens of the eye. The human body can not manufacture Lutein and therefore it must be obtained from dietary sources.
It is the most abundant carotenoid in foods, especially in dark green vegetables. Spinach and collard greens are the richest known food sources. Foods that are rich in Lutein also contain small amounts of Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid with an almost identical chemical structure.

INNO-VITE’s Lutein contains FLORA-GLO brand crystalline Lutein derived from marigold flowers. FLORA-GLO is the only source of pure, concentrated Lutein available in supplement form.

Beta Carotene or Lutein?
The earlier research studies, that made Beta Carotene famous for the prevention of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, did not involve individual assays of the carotenoids. Due to Beta Carotene’s known pro-vitamin A activity and it’s proven role in eye health, it got most of the credit.

However, later research pointed out that all of the foods found to be rich in Beta Carotene were even richer in lutein (two to four times as high).

Lutein Takes the Lead:
Recent, more detailed research has gone deeper into the prevention of eye disease. These studies have analysed the carotenoid content in the subjects’ eye tissue and blood. The results have drawn a convincing picture. The greater the concentration of lutein in the blood and the eye tissue, the lower the incidence of age-related macular-degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

Age Related Macular Degeneration:
Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among adults in North America. The centre of the lining of the back of the eyeball (the retina) is called the macula. It is the area of the eye that receives the most light and its function is to provide sharp vision such as is needed for reading or to focus. As we age, the macula can become scarred from damage caused by exposure to ultra violet light or from free radical damage.

Cataracts:
Cataracts are caused when the normally transparent lens of the eye is damaged, causing it to become cloudy. Poor nutrition, oxidation of the lens from free radical activity, and ultra violet light, are associated with the development of cataracts.

Lutein - a Natural Solution:
Researchers have discovered that Lutein and Zeaxan-thin make up part of the yellow pigment in the macula. The yellow pigment is thought to protect the macula by helping to absorb the damaging ultra-violet light.

Lutein is also thought to have a powerful antioxidant effect. It may act like a built-in protection system in the delicate areas of the macula and the lens and in this way may help to the prevent the oxidative damage related to AMD and cataracts.

Purified Lutein vs Marigold Extract:
Purified crystalline lutein is not the same as “marigold extract”. Beware of low-quality “eye health” products containing only marigold extract.

FLORA-GLO uses a patented extraction process, separating the active Lutein and Zeaxanthin from constituents of the marigold flower that can interfere with absorption.