Lutein has received a lot of press lately as commercials for brand named vitamins love to promote their product as having “Lutein, which is good for your eyes!”carotenoid family and thus possess powerful antioxidant abilities. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in both the macula and lens of the human eye, and have dual functions. They act as powerful antioxidants and they also filter out high-energy blue light. Thus, you should consider taking these carotenoids if you have Macular degeneration, Cataracts, or Rentinitis Pigmentosa. Additionally, epidemiological studies have long suggested that the intake of carotenoids decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer. These special carotenoids are also found in the skin and may protect from UV ray damage due to inflammation.

Zeaxanthin can be thought of as Lutein’s twin as both molecules look very similar. Both Lutein and Zeaxanthin are members of the

Cooking of Lutein and Zeaxanthin may increase their absorption into your body. Here are the foods naturally high in these carotenoids: cooked Kale, cooked Turnip greens, cooked Collards, cooked Spinach, cooked Brocolli, cooked Brussels sprouts, Green peas, cooked Corn, Egg yolk, Tangerines, Orange juice, Orange Sweet Peppers.

The rub is that most studies show that the benefit for eye disease requires a MINIMUM of 10 mg of Lutein with a more appropriate dose of 20 mg/day. Most brand named vitamins have only 250 mcg so you will need to take about 100 of them to get any benefit! Specialized formulas usually only contain 6 mg. So you will need to take at least three to four a day. Consider taking 4-Site from OrthoMolecular as each capsule contains 15 mg of Lutein.