What is lutein?
Lutein is an antioxidant that is a carotenoid that is important for maintaining eye health. In the human body, it is found in the retina of the eye between photoreceptors. Lutein is a yellow pigment that absorbs UV radiation and is found in fruits and vegetables and yellow berries. Examples of lutein sources are carrots, calendula, persimmons and sea buckthorn.
Benefits of lutein
Lutein is an essential antioxidant for eye health. If you eat nutrients that contain lutein early, you will prevent vision problems in old age. Lutein behaves like natural sunglasses. It absorbs bad shortwave light and protects the eye from the effects of free radicals.
Uses of lutein
Although lutein should be consumed at an early age, it is especially important in people over 40 years of age. Lutein helps prevent vision loss or degeneration of the macula. Macular degeneration results in the loss of sharp eyesight and impaired reading ability.
As a result, it becomes more difficult to distinguish colors and the eyes become sensitive to strong light. Therefore, lutein intake should be monitored especially by people who already have vision problems.
Lutein side effects and overdose
There are usually no serious side effects from taking a lutein supplement. Mild side effects may include yellowing of the skin, but this is not considered to be a health hazard.