Lutein for Macular Degeneration

Macular Degneration Lutein

The body cannot manufacture it so one must get it through diet or supplementation.

It is found in deep green vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens and in egg yokes, corn, squash and tomatoes.

What is Lutein

Lutein and zeaxanthin together make up the

macular pigment.

High concentrations of these carotenoids are found in the macula, also known as the macula lutea which means yellow spot in Latin.

The macular pigment is known to provide:

√ protection against macular degeneration and cataracts

√ protection to the macula against the harmful effects of blue light.

Low levels of macular pigment are associated with macular degeneration.

Researchers said the two pigments act as "sunlglasses" and appear to filter short-wavelength light that can damage the eye's retina.

“When we compared the amount of macular pigment, which is comprised of lutein and zeaxanthin, present in the eyes of people with age-related macular degeneration to people without the disease, those with the lowest levels of carotenoid accumulation in the outer retina were significantly more likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration than those with higher pigment levels, ” said Dr. Landrum.

“The difference in risk between those having the highest and lowest levels was 75 percent.”

Dr. Landrum, Florida International University

Benefits of Lutein

Carotenoid levels in the blood were much lower in patients with macular degeneration.

JAMA. 1994 Nov 9;272(18):1413-20.

At this time there is no toxic dose that is known to cause harm. However, as a nurse I need to remind you that if a person is on blood thinners or is taking an aspirin a day for their heart, they should consult their doctor before starting any supplement.

Though this pigment is deposited into many areas of the body prone to free radical damage – like the eyes and skin – it cannot be manufactured by the body.

(If a person is smoking, it would not be recommended for a person to begin taking this antioxidant as the combination could be harmful, in a similar way to smoking and beta-carotene has shown to cause cancer in the lungs.)

Foods High In Lutein

kale,

collard greens,

and spinach

have some of the highest concentrations.

Click here for a more complete food listing: Lutein Foods

Lutein Supplements

It has been shown in several studies that levels of these two carotenoids can be increased in the eye

when taking a supplement or

eating these foods,

but blood levels drop as soon as the supplement is not being taken.

Family members at risk may also consider taking lutein for macular degeneration or supplements for macular degeneration prevention beginning at an earlier age.

This, combined with good eye protection from the sun, may be of great help in preventing or prolonging the onset of macular degeneration.

Lutein Dosage

The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommends:

√ 4-8 milligrams per day

The research recommends:

√ 6-10 milligrams per day for macular degeneration for maximum benefits of protection

The typical American consumes:

√ about 1-2 milligrams per day

AREDS Formula Vitamins with Lutein

Be sure to read the label to see how much is included in each dose.

It is usually listed in milligrams – mg – though some products list it in micrograms – mcg.

One microgram equals one-thousandth of a milligram.

Vitamins for Macular Degeneration with Lutein

Dr. Marc Grossman is Doctor of Optometry and New York State Licensed Acupuncturist is co-author of the

* International best seller Magic Eye Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision, published by Andrews and McNeil in 1996,

* Natural Eye Care - An Encyclopedia published by McGraw Hill in April, 1999,

* Greater Vision - A Comprehensive Program for Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Clarity published by McGraw Hill, 2001, and

* Natural Eye Care - A Comprehensive Manual for Practitioners of Oriental Medicine, published by Vision Works, Inc. 2002.

He offers high quality macular degeneration supplements that include lutein for macular degeneration.

He offers free telephone consults and responds to e-mail. If this interests you click here:

Vision Health Treatment Options & Nutrient Recommendations

Floraglo

Doctor's Best FloraGlo Lutein with Zeaxanthin, 20 mg (60 softgels) Both lutein and zeaxanthin work synergistically to promote eye health. FloraGLO Lutein is a source of purified free lutein, identical to that found in green leafy vegetables. FloraGLO Lutein is extracted from marigold flowers, the most abundant source of lutein in nature. This patented process (US patents 5,382,714 and 5,648,564) ensures a standardized, potent and pure end product every time. Much of the published research on lutein has used FloraGLO Lutein, which has created an extensive body of literature supporting the efficacy and safety of this product in human and animal models. Additionally, in vitro studies have pointed to multiple mechanisms by which FloraGLO lutein confers benefit to eye, skin and general health. FloraGLO has also been used in more clinical trials than any other source of lutein, ensuring that the benefits found in these trials can be attributed specifically to FloraGLO Lutein.

Lutein Research

Go from Lutein for Macular Degeneration to Antioxidants
Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

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