3.therapeutic uses of lutein

8/2/2019 3.THERAPEUTIC Uses of Lutein

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THERAPEUTIC USES

FOR HEALTHY HEART

Lutein reduces the risk for artery

diseases. Studies have shown that

persons with regular consumption of

Lutein have the lowest

(Atherosclerosis) artery wall thickening

and clogging.

Lutein also reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol thereby reducing the risk of

artery clogging and coronary artery blockage.

HEALTHY SKIN

Lutein can also reduce the risk of skin cancer and sunburn. Under influence of

sunlight, free radicals are formed inside the skin. These free radicals can damage theDNA of cells. Lutein can protect against the damaging effects of UV-B radiation.

Studies have also shown that Lutein reduces inflammation and redness in the skin,

and may even help prevent skin cancer. In addition to the eyes and skin, Lutein is

deposited in the breast and cervix. Studies indicate that Lutein and other Carotenoids

may have protective benefits against breast cancer risk.

ROLE IN HUMAN EYES

Lutein was found to be present in a concentrated area of the macula, a small area of

the retina responsible for central vision. The hypothesis for the natural concentration

is that Lutein helps protect from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Variousresearch studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between Lutein intake

and pigmentation in the eye. Several studies also show that an increase in macula

pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases such as Age-related Macular

Degeneration (AMD). The only randomized clinical trial to demonstrate a benefit for

Lutein in Macular Degeneration was a small study, in which the authors concluded

that more study was needed.

Lutein is a natural part of human diet when fruits and vegetables are consumed. For

individuals lacking sufficient Lutein intake, Lutein-fortified foods are available, or in

the case of elderly people with a poorly absorbing digestive system, a sublingual

spray is available. As early as 1996, Lutein has been incorporated into dietarysupplements. While no recommended daily allowance currently exists for Lutein as

for other nutrients, positive effects have been seen at dietary intake levels of 6

mg/day. The functional difference between Lutein (free form) and Lutein esters is not

entirely known. It is suggested that the bioavailability is lower for Lutein esters, but

much debate continues.


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On September 10, 2007, in a 6-year study, researchers led by John Paul San Giovanni

of the National Eye Institute, Maryland found that Lutein and Zeaxanthin (nutrients in

eggs, spinach and other green vegetables) protect against blindness (macular

degeneration), affecting 1.2 million Americans, mostly after age 65. Lutein and

Zeaxanthin reduce the risk of AMD (journal Archives of Ophthalmology).

Lutein and Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Research has suggested a minimum of 6-10 mg per day of Lutein is necessary to

realize Luteins health benefits. One such benefit is Luteins role in eye health,

specifically its role in reducing the risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

AMD occurs when the fragile centre of the retina-the macula-deteriorates from a

lifetime of slow but steady damage. The macula is a small area of the retina

responsible for central vision, and high visual acuity. Poor macular health can cause

oxidative stress within the retina, leading to a loss of central vision.

According to AMD alliance International dry AMD, the more common and milder form

of AMD, accounts for 85% to 90% of all cases. It develops gradually over time and

usually causes only mild loss of vision. One key identifier for AMD is the collection of

small, round, white-yellow, fatty deposits called drusen in the central part of the

retina. Drusen accumulate in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) tissue beneath

the macula and the macula thins and dries out. The amount of vision loss is related

to the location and amount of macular thinning caused by the drusen. Sometimes

abnormal new blood vessels form (wet AMD). It is therefore important for individuals

with dry AMD to have their eyes examined regularly, because it may eventually

develop into the wet form.

Although the wet form of AMD accounts for only 10 15% of all AMD, the chance for

severe sight loss is much greater. It is responsible for 90% of severe vision loss

associated with AMD. Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels,

or choroidal nerve vascularization (CNV), under the central part of the retina, the

macula. These abnormal vessels leak fluid and blood into the tissue at the back of

the eye, causing a blister to form in the retina. This progression leads to scar tissue,

distortion and a loss of central vision. Wet AMD can rapidly damage the macula and

result in a very quick loss of central vision.

Lutein and its related compound Zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula,

providing a yellow color known as the macular pigment (MP). The macular pigment

protects the macula from the damaging photo-oxidative effects of blue light.

Of the 600 or so Carotenoids present in nature, only a handful is present in human

serum. Of those, nature has chosen only Lutein and Zeaxanthin to be present in the

macula. These facts alone suggest that Lutein plays a critical role in eye health.


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There is a wealth of data available supporting a role for Lutein in reducing the risk of

AMD. There are a number of observational studies showing the association between

Lutein intakes, serum levels, macular pigment density (MPD).

Controlled intervention studies in humans are needed to establish causality. In terms

of eye health, more and more studies investigating the direct effect of dietaryLutein and Lutein supplementation on macular pigment density are now being

published.

Researchers agree that it is the body of evidence that must be evaluated collectively

in order to determine the merits of a given nutrient, and any conclusions based on a

single study are premature. The body of evidence appears to support a beneficial

role for Lutein in eye health.

Lutein is a yellow pigment in the chemical family of Carotenoids and produced by

vegetables, marigold flowers, alfalfa and to a lesser degree in many other plants. The

original medical association of Lutein was as an isolate from the corpus luteum, a part

of the ovaries, and hence its name (Latin for egg yolk), but an important medical

aspect is its presence in the macula of the eye where it is strongly implicated in

maintaining eye health. Humans do not synthesize Lutein and depend entirely on

dietary sources such as vegetables or supplement Lutein pills.

3.therapeutic uses of lutein

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