DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophylls, members of the carotenoid family. They are isomers of each other. They are the primary carotenoids found in the macula, the central area of the retina.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• None.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Vegetables, including corn and spinach, are good food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin.
• Nutritional supplements often use marigold flowers as the source.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• Lutein: 3 mg to 20 mg.
• Zeaxanthin: 200 mcg to 1,000 mcg.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Cancer (breast, colorectal, lung)
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration

COMMENTS

• Lutein and zeaxanthin are most beneficial for vision. They may act as filters to protect the macula from some damaging forms of light (blue and near-ultraviolet).

CAUTIONS

• None known.