Lutein Esters and Zeaxanthin

Lutein Esters 20mg and Zeaxanthin 1.23mg:


XangoldŽ Lutein is the active carotenoid in this potent, natural source antioxidant. It is naturally derived from marigold flowers and contains a normal blend of carotenoids including: Zeaxanthin 1.23mg and Cryptoxanthin .11mg. Lutein is a well known carotenoid that supports eye health.

Lutein is an antioxidant, belonging to the carotenoid family. Lutein can be found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collards, kale and broccoli, various fruits and corn. Egg yolks are also sources of lutein.

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid that is closely related to beta-carotene and Lutein. Because of its unique structure, astaxanthin provides a wide range of antioxidant benefits. Astaxanthin may play a key role in the protection of cell membranes against free radical attack. Astaxanthin is a natural concentrate of marine algae Haematococcus pulvialis, which is cultivated in the warm waters of Hawaii. Recent studies have indicated that astaxanthin is more powerful than its carotenoid cousin, beta-carotene, at trapping singlet oxygen free radicals.

Lutein and Macular Degeneration
Lutein is highly concentrated in the macula, a small area of the retina responsible for central vision, and high visual acuity. It is also thought that lutein filters blue wavelengths of light from the visible-light spectrum. Blue light, in both indoor lighting and sunlight, is believed to induce oxidative stress and possible free-radical damage in human organs exposed to light such as the eyes. A current trial by the US National Eye Institute NEI is working on the recommended dosage, but Frederick Ferris, the director of clinical research at the NEI suggested that it would probably be between 6 and 15 mg per day.

As an antioxidant, lutein can reduce the formation of damaging free radicals by quenching singlet oxygen. Two circumstances that can produce free radicals in tissues are high metabolic activity and the interaction of energy with tissue. The process that changes light energy into brain signals is very active in the macula as the lens tightly focuses light on this small area of tissue. The parts of the retina most vulnerable to oxidative damage are the outer segments of the rod cells. This area is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids that are readily oxidized. Lutein is found in significant quantities within these outer segments.

There are more than 300 peer-reviewed studies that have connected lutein with benefits in the eye, skin and heart, as well as in different types of cancer, immune problems and diabetes. Particular interest with lutein has been associated with reducing the risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans.

Lutein and Cataract
The exact mechanism of how lutein prevents cataracts is still unknown. A few large studies revealed that people consumed a high quantity of lutein have a 20 - 50% lower risk of getting a cataract than people who consumed the least lutein. Another study also showed that men who ate broccoli or raw spinach more than 2 times a week were 25% less likely to have cataract surgery than men who ate them less than once a month.