The So-Called “Eye Vitamin”
Lutein is a carotenoid found in themaculaandretinaof the human eye.
Egg yolks also contain high levels of lutein.Lutein is also available in supplement form.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Lutein supplements are typically used in alternative medicine for eye diseases, such ascataractsandmacular degeneration.
Lutein may also act as a filter for harmful blue light and help prevent damage from the sun.
Age-Related Eye Disease
Age-related eye diseases include cataracts and macular degeneration, which may lead to blindness.
MPOD is an important measure of vision health.
What Are the Side Effects of Lutein?
Lutein and lutein supplements are likely safe when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts.
Consuming up to 20 milligrams daily appears safe and without side effects.
Dosage: How Much Lutein Should I Take?
For adults, 10 to 20 milligrams of lutein daily has been safely taken for up to three years.
These amounts and more can be obtained easily through the diet.
For example, 1 cup of cooked spinach provides 26 milligrams of lutein.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Lutein?
There is not a lot of information on toxicity with lutein.
Interactions
There are no known interactions with lutein and medications.
Taking lutein withbeta-caroteneorvitamin Emay reduce how much of these vitamins the body will absorb.
If you have already been diagnosed with AMD, discuss with your healthcare provider whether supplementing lutein is appropriate.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are both carotenoids found in the human eye.
Both have a similar protective role, but zeaxanthin may be a more potent antioxidant.
Summary
Lutein is a carotenoid found in the human eye.
It is also available in our foods, such as spinach and egg yolk, and supplements.
Research has looked at the effects of lutein supplementation on age-related eye diseases with mixed results.
To be sure you are getting enough lutein, include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
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