First, like other carotenoids, lutein is an efficient anti-oxidant, and therefore, is able to protect cells in our body from free radical damages. Unlike other carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin are found accumulated in macula, a tiny area at the center of retina made up of millions of optic nerves that receives lights entering through lens and help produce sharp vision, which is necessary for reading and seeing objects clearly. Yellow lutein pigments in macula filter out potentially harmful blue lights and short-wave UV (ultraviolet) lights, and keep optic nerve cells from damages. As an effective anti-exidant, lutein also quenches freeradicals that are harmful for DNA and proteins, the constituents of cells. Zeaxanthin is chemically very similar to lutein and are often mixed up in preparations as a minor constituent due to the difficulty in separation. Zeaxanthin is similar also to lutein in its health benefits. Unlike carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin are not converted to vitamin A in our body.


Health benefit of taking lutein-rich food or lutein supplements has been reported by many research groups. First, the level of lutein and other carotenoids in blood serum increases signifucantly after the intakes. Serum carotenoid levels have been inversely correlated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the people over age 65, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. Follow the links to lutein and carotenoid researches to view specific reports.