Lutein (20 mg) with Zeaxanthin (860 mcg), Extra Strength

Feature summary

Our most potent Lutein supplement contains 20 mg of FloraGLO® plus Zeaxanthin making it a valuable ally for healthy vision. The leading cause of blindness in adults over 40 is age-related macular degeneration or AMD. The macula is the area of the retina where images are focused and is responsible for fine vision. Macular degeneration interferes with retinal function, leaving only a margin of peripheral vision, effectively preventing enjoyable reading or fine work. Lutein is a yellow-orange carotenoid that may offer significant protection against macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are protective carotenoids that absorb harmful blue light, especially from exposure to the sun. The macula, especially the central portion of the macula (the fovea) owes its yellow colour to its high concentration of lutein. Low levels of lutein may be a major risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. Cataracts are caused by solar damage to the lens proteins of the eyes. It has been found that when there is a high level of lutein in the macula, there is a reduced incidence of cataracts.

Research in brief

Lutein is a carotenoid present in many plants. In the eye, lutein helps to filter blue light, and as an antioxidant it quenches photo-induced free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Epidemiological evidence suggests lutein may help reduce risk for AMD and cataracts, as lutein and zeaxanthin are deposited in the macula lutea, the retinal area responsible for central vision.

Hospital patients with AMD who were given 10 mg of lutein per day showed improvements in several visual functions. (Richer et al., 2004) Research also suggests that lutein may help prevent cataracts (opacification of the eyes’ lens due to oxidative damage), a cause of progressive visual impairment.

Research suggests 6 to 20 mg of lutein daily for optimum eye health. Eating to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily could deliver that amount, but many people should consider supplementing to ensure they get sufficient dietary lutein for vision support.

Research in brief references

Richer, S.P. et al. (2004). Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial). Optometry, 75: 216-230.

Tielsch, J.M. (1994). Vision problems in the US: a report on blindness and vision impairment in adults age 40 and older. (p.24) Schaumberg, Ill: Prevent Blindness America.

Medicinal ingredients

FloraGlo™ lutein, zeaxanthin

Non-medicinal ingredients

Softgel capsule (gelatin, purified water, glycerin, titanium dioxide, annatto), soybean oil, yellow beeswax and lecithin.

Recommended dosage

One softgel capsule daily or as directed by a physician.