Macular degeneration treatment: Advantages of Lutein, sources, and additional information
In the battle against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), lutein, a carotenoid found in plants, has emerged as a potential ally. This article provides an overview of lutein, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into your diet.
Lutein, a member of the xanthophylls group of carotenoids, is often recommended for individuals with AMD. The recommended daily intake for such individuals is around 10 mg per day, a level used in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS2) that tested its effects on slowing AMD progression. Consuming 6-10 mg daily is generally considered beneficial for eye health.
Fortunately, lutein can be sourced from a variety of foods. Dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, are rich in lutein. Other high-lutein food sources include egg yolks, red/purple peppers, broccoli, corn, pumpkin, tomatoes, oranges, paprika, and nuts and seeds like pistachios.
To reach the daily recommended intake of 10 mg through diet alone, you would need to consume about half a cup of cooked kale daily. Pairing lutein-rich foods with healthy fats, such as nuts or avocado, can enhance lutein absorption.
While food sources are important, studies suggest that dietary intake alone often does not match the higher doses used in supplements like AREDS2. Therefore, supplementation may be considered under medical guidance for AMD management.
Research indicates that lutein supplements have positive effects and few or no side effects. Lutein builds up in the human macula, similar to zeaxanthin, providing a protective shield for the eye. Studies have shown that daily lutein intake can improve eye health for people with macular degeneration, potentially delaying the progression of the condition.
Moreover, lutein has been indicated to help people with diabetic retinopathy and may even help prevent damage to various organs. There is also evidence to suggest that lutein can help delay the progression of cataracts.
In addition to its eye health benefits, kale, a star food source of lutein, is also rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. A 2020 study showed that consuming an egg daily can increase a person's body level of lutein.
In conclusion, individuals with macular degeneration should aim for around 10 mg of lutein daily, mostly obtainable from dark leafy greens and egg yolks, with consideration of supplements if higher intake is desired or recommended by an eye specialist. As research continues, the optimal dosage for each individual may become clearer, offering hope for those affected by macular degeneration.
- Individuals diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are often advised to consume lutein, a carotenoid found in plants, as it has shown potential in slowing the progression of AMD.
- Lutein, a member of the xanthophylls group of carotenoids, can be found in dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens, as well as egg yolks, red/purple peppers, broccoli, corn, pumpkin, tomatoes, oranges, paprika, nuts, and seeds like pistachios.
- Consuming 6-10 mg of lutein daily is generally considered beneficial for eye health, and for individuals with AMD, the recommended daily intake is around 10 mg.
- To achieve this daily recommended intake through diet alone, one would need to consume about half a cup of cooked kale daily; pairing lutein-rich foods with healthy fats can enhance lutein absorption.
- While food sources are important, studies suggest that dietary intake often does not match the higher doses used in supplements like AREDS2, leading to the consideration of supplementation under medical guidance for AMD management.
- Research indicates that lutein supplements have positive effects and few or no side effects, and they build up in the human macula, providing a protective shield for the eye.
- Studies have shown that daily lutein intake can improve eye health for people with macular degeneration, potentially delaying the progression of the condition.
- Lutein has also been indicated to help people with diabetic retinopathy and may even help prevent damage to various organs; there is evidence to suggest that lutein can help delay the progression of cataracts.
- Beyond its eye health benefits, kale, a rich source of lutein, is also rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate; a 2020 study showed that consuming an egg daily can increase a person's body level of lutein.
