PureBulk

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What is Lutein?

Lutein is a powerful antioxidant and a member of the carotenoid family, a group that also includes beta-carotene (provitamin A), alpha-carotene, lycopene and zeaxanthin.

Lutein (from the Latin luteus, meaning yellow) is a xanthophyll, like its sister compound zeaxanthin. It is a type of carotenoid found in high concentrations in dark-green leafy vegetables and in egg yolks.

Like the well-known carotenoids alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein is an antioxidant responsible for the red, orange or yellow color of many food products (although it may be masked by the green chlorophyll in some vegetables). However, unlike alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein cannot be changed by the body to vitamin A.

Lutein's primary use as a supplement is to ensure protection of the retina (the sensitive part of the inner eye) from damage by the sun. The macula in the retina contains lutein, thus lutein helps shield the eyes and skin from ultraviolet light. Its yellow color blocks blue (UV) light from being absorbed.

As an antioxidant, lutein protects the body from free-radical molecules that can damage cell membranes.

Since lutein cannot be made by the body, it must be derived from dietary sources or nutritional supplements. Dark-green leafy vegetables are good sources of lutein, especially kale, turnip greens, collard greens and spinach. It is also present in fruits and vegetables that have red, orange or yellow pigments, such as tomatoes, carrots, corn, and squash.

Grilling or lightly steaming vegetables high in carotenoids improves the body’s ability to absorb them.

At times it's not practical to consume enough lutein in the daily diet. A large bowl of spinach provides only about 6 milligrams of lutein, for example, making nutritional supplements worth considering.

Health Benefits of Lutein

Numerous clinical and research studies have found lutein present in a concentrated area of the macula, the small area of the retina where central vision occurs.

Lutein’s primary benefit stems from its antioxidant properties. It helps to neutralize and eliminate free radical molecules throughout the body that can damage cells.

Purity and Concentration of Lutein

Purebulk's Lutein Powdered Extract 5% is a pure extract from the flowers of the Tagetes erecta (marigold) plant. After drying and pulverizing the flowers a solvent (ethyl alcohol) is employed to dissolve the lutein, and other fat soluble compounds, present in these flowers. All particulate matter is then filtered from the solvent and discarded. The solvent is then removed with the remaining extracted solids yielding a product which is 5% lutein and 95% collateral plant matter. Thus, there are no fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. Purebulk's Lutein 5% has been assayed to contain at least 5.0% total carotenoids, which includes 5% Lutein. You will receive a resealable bag containing an orange or reddish orange powder. Store it in a cool, dry location protected from light. Reseal after each use.

Potential Side Effects of Lutein

Lutein 5% is safe if taken as suggested. Headaches have been reported in rare instances. Taking excessive amounts of lutein is not recommended, as a buildup of carotenoids in the body can have a negative effect.

Suggested Use of Lutein

The suggested serving size for lutein 5% powdered extract is 100 milligrams to 400 milligrams daily, depending on individual needs. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Lutein here.

A serving of 1/32 tsp will give 99 mg, or a serving of 1/8 tsp will give 394 mg.

PureBulk also sells measuring spoons and milligram weight scales for allocating precise serving sizes.

Because the lutein concentration in this product is 5%, a 100 milligram serving would net 5 milligrams of lutein, while a 400 milligram serving would net 20 milligrams of lutein.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

References & Further Research

WebMD: Good Foods for Eye Health

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.