Lutein and zeaxanthin
DELutein und Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two xanthophyll carotenoids (dihydroxy types). They build up in your macula, the central retina, where they form the 'macular pigment' and filter blue light. The main food sources are dark green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach), corn, and egg yolk. In the AREDS2 randomized trial (4,203 people at risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration), adding 10 mg of lutein plus 2 mg of zeaxanthin to the original AREDS supplement did not slow progression in the main analysis. But a subgroup, those with the lowest dietary intake, did benefit. AREDS2 also showed that lutein/zeaxanthin is a good substitute for beta-carotene, which raised lung-cancer rates in former smokers. There is some evidence for cognitive benefits, but it is less solid.
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Sources
- Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group (Chew EY, Clemons TE, et al.). (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. *JAMA*doi:10.1001/jama.2013.4997
- Chew EY, Clemons TE, Agron E, et al.. (2022). Long-term outcomes of adding lutein/zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids to the AREDS supplements on age-related macular degeneration progression: AREDS2 report 28. *JAMA Ophthalmology*doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.1640