Lutein for eyes and cataracts, macular health - What is the right dosage?

Lutein is a useful supplement for eye health, along with fish oils that contain the fatty acids EPA and DHA. Lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protect against age-related macular degeneration. Lutein is a component of macular pigment. DHA is found in the retina.
   Lutein is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties and is commonly present in many fruits, vegetables, and egg yolk. Lutein affords protection against the development of the two common eye diseases of aging: cataract and macular degeneration. In the eye, lutein may act as an antioxidant and as a blue light filter to protect the underlying tissues from phototoxic damage. Average intakes of lutein in the U.S. are below levels associated with eye disease prevention. Therefore, increased intakes of food sources rich in lutein may be warranted.

Malabsorption conditions and eye health
The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are believed to protect the human eye, specifically the macula, by absorbing blue light and quenching free radicals. Intestinal malabsorption syndromes such as celiac and Crohn's disease are known to cause deficiencies of lipid-soluble nutrients. Patients with nutrient malabsorption syndromes have lower carotenoid levels in the macula and blood, and that these lower levels may lead to early-onset macular degeneration.

Lutein, 20 mg for eye health
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Lutein is a potent antioxidant carotenoid found in abundance in fruits and green leafy vegetables. Lutein is also one of the dominant pigments found in the macular region of the retina of the eye. In the macula, lutein is selectively accumulated from plasma and filters out visible blue light. Recent studies suggest this filtering process serves to protect the retina from damage caused by light or oxidation. This Lutein product is extracted from the marigold flower.

 

Lutein dosage for eye health
What is the right dosage of lutein for eye health? Some people may not require any lutein, whereas others may benefit from 20 mg of lutein a day. However, most people will find anywhere from 2 to 6 mg a day of additional lutein is quite adequate. If you can only find a lutein supplement that comes in a 20 mg dosage, try taking a quarter or third of a capsule, or take this lutein supplement two or three times a week.

Lutein content in eyes of quail
There is good reason to believe that the lutein in eyes of various animals differs due to genetics, diet, and environmental needs. For instance, analysis of the retina of quail eyes reveals the predominant carotenoids to be astaxanthin and galloxanthin along with smaller amounts of other carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, 3'-epilutein, and epsilon-carotene,).

Various trademarked or patented forms of lutein for eye health include
FloraGlo lutein by Kemin, available as a supplement for sale