While lutein plays an important role in the body, the body does not produce it on its own – it requires eating foods rich in lutein or taking dietary supplements to ensure the body receives the recommended daily allowance. Once ingested, lutein is known to benefit many areas of the body such as the skin, eyes, cervix, breasts and more.
However, it is in the eyes that lutein is found in higher concentrations, especially in the macular area. It is here that Lutein protects the eye from harmful free radicals and increases macular pigment. As a result, a person with early Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, may prevent further vision loss and other eye complications. Lutein also plays a major role in the skin. Its antioxidant properties absorb blue light throughout both the epidermis and dermis.
Because lutein is found in certain foods, it is completely safe to ingest; however, when taken in the form of a dietary supplement, it must be taken in reasonable doses. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, or JECFA, evaluated lutein and its effect on the body and determined that a person should ingest a daily intake of two milligrams per one kilogram of body weight. To further the study, the Food and Drug Administration backed the JEFCA report and deemed lutein safe for human consumption.
The Lutein Information Bureau has not confirmed any studies that examine the interaction between lutein and prescription medications, including any adverse side effects between the two. Regardless, a person should seek the advice from a qualified health physician before adding lutein as part of a dietary regimen.
However, it is in the eyes that lutein is found in higher concentrations, especially in the macular area. It is here that Lutein protects the eye from harmful free radicals and increases macular pigment. As a result, a person with early Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, may prevent further vision loss and other eye complications. Lutein also plays a major role in the skin. Its antioxidant properties absorb blue light throughout both the epidermis and dermis.
Because lutein is found in certain foods, it is completely safe to ingest; however, when taken in the form of a dietary supplement, it must be taken in reasonable doses. The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, or JECFA, evaluated lutein and its effect on the body and determined that a person should ingest a daily intake of two milligrams per one kilogram of body weight. To further the study, the Food and Drug Administration backed the JEFCA report and deemed lutein safe for human consumption.
The Lutein Information Bureau has not confirmed any studies that examine the interaction between lutein and prescription medications, including any adverse side effects between the two. Regardless, a person should seek the advice from a qualified health physician before adding lutein as part of a dietary regimen.
