NOW Lutein Esters, 10mg, 120gels

Lutein is an orange-red carotenoid pigment produced by plants and is present in the diet in colorful fruits and vegetables. In the body, Lutein is one of the predominant pigments concentrated in the macula, a specialized area of the eye that is responsible for central vision. In addition, it is known to be deposited in the skin. Lutein’s functional role in these vulnerable tissues is to protect against sunlight-induced free radical production. This product is naturally derived from marigold flowers, which possess a broad spectrum of carotenoids, including Zeaxanthin.

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 and Cryptoxanthin. Lutein is one of the carotenoids, yellow and orange pigments found in many fruits and vegetables including mangoes, corn, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, tomatoes and dark, leafy greens such as kale, collards and bok choy. It is the major carotenoid in the fruit and vegetable rich Asian diet, and a minor one in the typical American diet which doesn't contain enough fruits and vegetables.

There is very good evidence that the lutein in food helps protect against cataracts and macular degeneration, two common, age-related eye disorders. Lutein and another carotenoid, zeaxanthin, form the yellow pigment of the retina and absorb blue light, a harmful component of sunlight. Lutein is found in relatively high quantities in your eyes, where it may play an important role in maintaining eye health.

As we age, lutein levels tend to decline in the eye, specifically in a part of the eye that helps to focus light known as the macula. Lower macular levels of lutein are associated with macular degeneration, an age-associated eye disease that commonly causes loss of vision. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, increasing dietary levels of lutein, or taking lutein supplements, may help to prevent and treat macular degeneration.

New evidence from a study completed last year showed that lutein may help protect against clogging of the carotid arteries in the neck, an indication of atherosclerosis, the disease that leads to most heart attacks. The study, at the University of Southern California, found that participants with the highest levels of lutein in the blood at the outset had no increase in plaque in the arteries throughout the 18 months of the study. Just the opposite occurred among those with the lowest lutein levels at the outset - arterial clogging worsened.

The researchers also doused sections of human arteries removed during surgery with high concentrations of lutein. They found that these arteries attracted fewer white cells, which are involved in the process that results in clogging. Lutein is present in the blood serum, where it may have antioxidant effects to promote cardiovascular health. Antioxidants like lutein may help to prevent the peroxidation of fats and cholesterol in the blood, thereby reducing plaque buildup in arteries. A study in the 2001 issue of Circulation demonstrates lutein's potential role in helping to prevent the thickening of artery walls that forms the basis for atherosclerosis. Lutein may also help slow the progression of atherosclerosis.

Suggested Usage

As a dietary supplement, take 1 softgel daily with a meal.

Caution: For adults only. Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children. Do Not Eat Freshness Packet. Keep in Bottle.

Made in the USA