Description Lutein for Eyes from Island Nutrition®. Natural vitamin-like pigment that makes up part of the eye structure. Each softgel contains 40 mg lutein with 1,600 mcg naturally occurring zeaxanthin. Lutein is required for normal vision, and lutein deficiency can cause blindness. Lutein is most concentrated in the macula part of the eye, but it is present throughout the eye, protecting the lens, retina, rods, and cones. Lutein is also important in other parts of the body; in particular, it functions as a light-absorbing antioxidant in the skin, where it supports skin hydration, elasticity, and skin lipid content. The body cannot manufacture lutein; instead, lutein must come from food or from lutein supplements. It is abundant in plants such as kale, turnip greens, collards, and spinach. Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eyes Lutein is a major component of the macula, the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision and seeing fine details. It is important for tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Zeaxanthin is a natural pigment that is related to lutein and is concentrated in the central part of the macula. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the macula. The full name for the macula is macula lutea, which is Latin for “yellow spot.” The macula is a small yellow area that gets its color from the yellow lutein and zeaxanthin pigments. These yellow pigments filter the high-energy blue wavelengths of light that are believed to cause oxidative stress to the eyes. Deterioration of the macula is often called Macular Degeneration, or Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of central vision loss (blindness) in the U.S. for people over 50. For people with macular degeneration, straight lines can appear wavy and there can be a dark or empty area in the center of vision. People with low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin are more likely to have macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are required for the macula to function properly, which means that trouble with the macula is sometimes simply a deficiency of lutein and/or zeaxanthin. Studies show the benefits of lutein on eye health and show that lutein supplements can increase the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eyes. Experts report that increasing pigments in the macula can slow or reverse macula damage. A study found that just 6 mg per day of lutein led to a 43 percent lower risk for macular degeneration. Studies also conclude that people who eat foods rich in lutein are less likely to have severe cataracts. Users of zeaxanthin and lutein supplements report excellent results for various eye disorders, including sore eyes, eyestrain from computers, and stress from reading. The standard dose is 6 mg, but the lutein offered here is almost seven times more potent than the standard dose, with naturally occurring zeaxanthin. It is best taken with food, because oil in food helps the body absorb the lutein and zeaxanthin. Our supplements come as a softgel with an oil base to help absorption. Each bottle contains 60 softgels. Each softgel contains 40 mg lutein and 1,600 mcg zeaxanthin.
