ZeaLutein^â in eye health

Dietary carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate at the visual center of the eye – the macula lutea or "yellow spot," located in the center of the retina close to the optic nerve’s exit.

This thin yellow spot serves as a blue-light filter for the color vision cells concentrated in the retina.

The ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein in the plasma is 0.2: 11

Lutein and zeaxanthin are transported into an individual’s retina in the same proportion found in the plasma. However, in the adult macula, some of the lutein is converted to meso-zeaxanthin2.

	Many studies have demonstrated a link between low intake of lutein and zeaxanthin and the occurrence of macular degeneration.
	The faculty of sharp, detailed vision is impaired in cases of deficiency because these carotenoids filter out harmful blue light and quench free radicals which can damage the retina.
	The macula is the part of the eye responsible for sharp vision3.
	The results of long-term studies conducted on lutein supplementation show favorable results with reference to the inhibition of ARMD (age related macular degeneration) and cataracts 4,5.

References

1.  Pacchetti, B. (1999) Innovative nutraceuticals for eye health. BCF International, July-August, pp12-17.

2.   Bone, R.A., Landrum, J.T., Hime, G.W., Cains, A., and Zamor, J. (1993) Stereochemistry of the human macular carotenoids. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., 34(6), 2033-2040.

3. Hammond, B.R., Wooten, B.R., and Snodderly, D. M. (1997) Density of the human crystalline lens is related to the macular pigment carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin.  Optom. Vis. Sci., 74(7), 499-504.

4. Pratt, S. (1999) Dietary prevention of age-related macular degeneration. J. Am. Optom. Assoc., 70(1), 39-47.

5. Snodderly, D.M. (1995) Evidence for protection against age-related macular degeneration by carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins. Am J. Clin. Nutr., 62 Suppl., 1448s-1461s.

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