Lutein and Zeaxanthin Protect Against Cataracts

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidant carotenes that protect your body in general and your eyesight in particular. Previously it has been shown that supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macular region of your eyes and guard against age-related macular degeneration. The current study involved 1689 elderly participants (aged 61-80 years). It found that those with the highest blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 41 percent less risk of developing cataracts.

Cataracts develop as the ionizing radiation of the sun surpasses the free radical quenching capacity of the eyes. It would therefore be logical to assume that if the antioxidant status of your eyes is better then you would have a reduced risk of free radical damage and consequent cataracts – which was proven to be the case in this study.

Carotenes are fat-soluble antioxidants. They tend to accumulate slowly in body tissues over time and protect them. If you lack carotenes then they will be used up over time and body tissues and organs will be subjected to greater amounts of free radical damage and increased rate of aging and onset of poor health. It is a known fact that the concentration of carotenes in the blood of any mammalian species predicts the lifespan of that species. 

Dietary sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are eggs, spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, broccoli, zucchini, garden peas, swiss chard, and Brussels sprouts. Supplements are typically purified from sea algae and have some absorption advantages because they are separated from the fiber and thus very easy to absorb in high amounts. For example, 20 mgs per day of supplemental lutein has been shown to readily accumulate in the macular region of the eye and offer protection.