how much lutein should i take for eyes

• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any dietary supplement to avoid possible interactions and side effects.
• Do not take more than 20 mg per day of a lutein supplement.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should not take supplemental lutein.
• Keep all supplements, vitamins, and other medicines securely out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Full Answer

What is the recommended daily dosage of lutein?

The typical dose of lutein for eye health ranges from 6 mg to 10 mg per day. The 6-mg dosage is most often used to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts. The higher amount is typically recommended for treating the symptoms of macular degeneration instead of preventing it.

Does lutein enhance vision?

Lutein is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. A large body of evidence shows that lutein has several beneficial effects, especially on eye health. In particular, lutein is known to improve or even prevent age-related macular disease which is the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment.

Can lutein supplement Save Your Eyes?

Those studies suggest that dietary intake of lutein may help protect against atherosclerosis, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. While few studies have examined the health effects of lutein supplements, there's some evidence that lutein supplements may improve eye health.

What are the side effects of lutein?

Side Effects of Lutein

• Pile-up of Supplement. The drawback is that our body tends to store all the artificial lutein. ...
• Generic But Serious Side Effects. The buildup of lutein causes 2 major negative effects on the human body. ...
• Carotenosis. Among all the side effects, carotenosis is the most significant and commonly observed one. ...

Is 20 mg lutein too much?

American adults typically consume ~ 1–2 mg lutein/day [4]. A systematic risk assessment of lutein supplements used in placebo-controlled intervention trials was published in 2006 [38]. Based on this assessment, there is strong evidence that lutein is safe up to 20 mg/day [38].

Can lutein improve your eyesight?

A large body of evidence shows that lutein has several beneficial effects, especially on eye health. In particular, lutein is known to improve or even prevent age-related macular disease which is the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment.

How much lutein should I take for dry eyes?

Benefits Of Replenishing Levels Of Lutein For Eye Health Studies suggest that people should shoot for consuming at least 10 milligrams of lutein each day to get the most benefit when it comes to protecting and maintaining vision.

Can too much lutein hurt you?

In addition, health experts note that taking up to 20 mg of lutein from both diets and supplements appears to be safe. High doses of lutein could cause a condition called carotenemia or yellowing of the skin that is harmless.

Should you take lutein in the morning or at night?

Lutein supplements are available in soft-gel capsule form. They should be taken at mealtime because lutein is absorbed better when ingested with a small amount of fat, such as olive oil.

How long does it take lutein to work?

Taking lutein supplements by mouth for up to 36 months can improve some symptoms of AMD. More benefits might be seen when it's taken for at least 3 months at doses above 5 mg, and when it's combined with other carotenoid vitamins.

Can lutein improve dry eyes?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that help prevent many chronic eye diseases including dry eye. They also keep cells functioning correctly and healthy. Foods rich in these antioxidants include leafy greens like kale, spinach and romaine lettuce. They can be found as supplements.

Which vitamin is most useful for eyes?

Vitamin AVitamin A and beta carotene Vitamin A is essential for good vision. It is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which allows the eye to see in low-light conditions. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness.

Does lutein raise blood pressure?

Discussion: In healthy participants, oral administration of a lutein phytochemicals complex for three weeks produced increased ocular blood flow biomarkers within retinal vascular beds and reduced diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo.

Can lutein help with eye floaters?

Carotenoids in the Diet The National Eye Institute recommends eating diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin to lower your risk of developing AMD and other eye conditions that may result in floaters.

Who should not take lutein?

Do not take more than 20 mg per day of a lutein supplement. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should not take supplemental lutein. Keep all supplements, vitamins, and other medicines securely out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Use only USP-Verified herbal and supplement products.

What are the side effects of taking lutein?

There are no known side effects of lutein. Lutein is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately. Children: Lutein is LIKELY SAFE when used appropriately.

What is the best supplement to improve eyesight?

What supplements may help my eye health?Lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids. ... Zinc. Also found naturally in your eyes, zinc is a powerful antioxidant that protects against cell damage. ... Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Vitamin B1 is essential for the health of your eyes. ... Omega-3 fatty acids. ... Vitamin C.

What is the best vitamin to improve vision?

Vitamin AVitamin A and beta carotene Vitamin A is essential for good vision. It is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which allows the eye to see in low-light conditions. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness.

What vitamin helps your eyesight get better?

Vitamin AVitamin A is especially important for eye health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that vitamin A helps your eyes produce pigments that make it possible to see the full spectrum of light. Vitamin A also nourishes other parts of your eye.

What vitamins can I take to improve my eyesight?

The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye HealthVitamin A. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision by maintaining a clear cornea, which is the outside covering of your eye. ... Vitamin E. ... Vitamin C. ... Vitamins B6, B9 and B12. ... Riboflavin. ... Niacin. ... Lutein and Zeaxanthin. ... Omega-3 Fatty Acids.More items...•

How to increase lutein intake?

To increase your lutein intake without the use of lutein supplements, include lutein-rich foods like kale, spinach, cabbage, green beans, mangoes, and papayas in your daily diet.

What is lutein supplement?

Lutein supplements contain a natural substance classified as a carotenoid—a group of plant pigments with antioxidant effects. Lutein supplements provide a more concentrated supply of this antioxidant. Verywell / Gary Ferster.

What is lutein in food?

Lutein is naturally found in a number of fruits and vegetables, especially those with deep green, orange, and yellow coloring. Lutein is a type of xanthophyll often used in treatment or prevention of eye diseases. Lutein supplements contain a natural substance classified as a carotenoid—a group of plant pigments with antioxidant effects. Lutein supplements provide a more concentrated supply of this antioxidant.

Does lutein help with macular degeneration?

Lutein supplements may improve visual function in people with age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. One study that looked at more than 100,000 people from 1984 to 2010 found that a higher intake of bioavailable lutein and zeaxanthin was associated with a lower long-term risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration. 2

Does lutein help with eye health?

While few studies have examined the health effects of lutein supplements, there's some evidence that lutein supplements may improve eye health. Here's a look at two study findings:

Does lutein help with cancer?

Some alternative medicine proponents claim that lutein supplements can also help prevent colon cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, and heart ​disease. 1 . To date, most of the studies on lutein's health benefits have focused on dietary intake of lutein. Those studies suggest that dietary intake of lutein may help protect against atherosclerosis, ...

Is lutein good for eyes?

A 2018 review of research concluded that there are many studies supporting lutein beneficial effects on eye health . The researchers suggested that not only should a diet rich in fruits and vegetables containing lutein be encouraged, they also suggested that supplementation could be beneficial, particularly in populations at high risk of certain conditions such as the elderly. 4 

What happens if you overdose on lutein?

You can use that as a bench mark. If you are taking too large of an amount of your lutein supplement your skin will start to get an orange or brown tint.

What is the best product for eyes?

When it comes to taking Lutein, one of the best products out there for the eyes and for the whole body is. Total Balance by Xtend-Life. It features around 80 nutrients that are all specially selected and blended to enhance your state of health.

Is lutein good for your eyes?

When it comes to finding the right dosage for lutein, you need to be careful that you pick one that is exactly the perfect amount. Lutein is an antioxidant that helps the eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, and basically the whole body perform as well as it should. But in order for you to get the positive benefits, ...

Can you overdose on lutein esters?

When it comes to lutein esters, it is important to avoid overdose. The only problem with that statement is that the dosage for lutein really varies depending on the person. For example, a person whose eyes are damaged may require larger amounts of the antioxidant. However, there are symptoms of overdose to keep in mind.

Does lutein work with zeaxanthin?

Lutein and Zeaxanthin. One of the most important things when considering a dosage for lutein is that both lutein and Zeaxanthin work together in synergy. If you want your lutein to be used and absorbed fully, it needs to be paired with Zeaxanthin. They work in synergy and this makes the lutein more effective.

Which is better for eyes: lutein or zeaxanthin?

Both are potent antioxidants and offer a range of health benefits. However, lutein and zeaxanthin are best known for protecting your eyes.

How much Zeaxanthin is needed for macular degeneration?

Research from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) found that 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin caused a significant reduction in the progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration ( 31 ).

What is the best sunblock for eyes?

Lutein and zeaxanthin also act as a natural sunblock by absorbing excess light energy. They’re thought to especially protect your eyes from harmful blue light ( 9 ).

What are lutein and zeaxanthin?

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Benefits, Dosage and Food Sources. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important carotenoids, which are pigments produced by plants that give fruits and vegetables a yellow to reddish hue. ).

Is lutein safe to eat?

Lutein and zeaxanthin have an excellent safety profile ( 34, 35 ).

Is lutein good for you?

Other people may benefit from lutein and zeaxanthin supplements, as dietary intakes of carotenoids are often low ( 13. Trusted Source. ). Supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin can also improve your overall antioxidant status, which may offer greater protection against stressors.

Does lutein protect skin cells?

Furthermore, lutein and zeaxanthin may protect your skin cells from premature aging and UVB-induced tumors ( 27 ).

How much lutein and zeaxanthin is needed daily?

It remains unclear how much lutein and zeaxanthin is needed daily for adequate eye and vision protection. Also, it is unknown at this time whether supplements have the same effect as lutein and zeaxanthin obtained through food sources.

Why are lutein and zeaxanthin added to eye vitamins?

Because of the apparent eye and cardiovascular benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin, many nutritional companies have added these carotenoids to their multiple vitamin formulas. Others have introduced special eye vitamins that are predominantly lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.

How much lutein is in Areds2?

The AREDS2 results revealed study participants with early signs of macular degeneration who took a modification of the original AREDS nutritional supplement that contained 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin (and no beta-carotene) every day for the 5-year study period had a 10 to 25 percent reduced risk of AMD progression. Study participants whose diets contained the lowest amounts of foods containing natural lutein and zeaxanthin experienced the greatest AMD risk reduction from taking the daily nutritional supplement.

What are the best nutrients for macular degeneration?

Two very important eye nutrients that may reduce your risk for macular degeneration and cataracts have names you may not be familiar with: lutein (LOO-teen) and zeaxanthin (zee-ah-ZAN-thin).

What is the best source of lutein and zeaxanthin?

Cooked spinach is one of the best natural food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. In nature, lutein and zeaxanthin appear to absorb excess light energy to prevent damage to plants from too much sunlight, especially from high-energy light rays called blue light.

Which carotenoids are more effective than any one of the individual carotenoids?

In research published in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, the study authors conclude that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin filter short-wavelength light and prevent or reduce the generation of free radicals in the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. They also suggest that a mixture of these carotenoids is more effective than any one of the individual carotenoids at the same total concentration.

Does lutein increase the density of macular pigment?

Research published in Nutrition & Metabolism found that a nutritional supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin effectively increased the optical density of the macular pigment in eyes of the majority of human subjects.

What is lutein vitamin?

Some call lutein (sometimes spelled luteine) "the eye vitamin" and claim it protects against eye disorders like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

How much lutein is in Centrum?

Multivitamin products such as Centrum ® usually contain small doses of lutein, 2 mg or less. So-called “eye vitamin” products such as PreserVision ® AREDS2 or Ocuvite ® contain lutein in the range of 5-20 mg per daily dose.

What are the nutrients in the eye?

Besides lending bright color to some foods, lutein and zeaxanthin are a hot topic in eye health. These nutrients accumulate in the eye and are said to protect against damage to the retina and macula (the central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision). They are antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals, and they also shield cells in the retina from high-energy blue light. Common sources of blue light include sunlight and the display screens of digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Exposure to this type of light is thought to increase the risk for developing AMD − a leading cause of vision loss in people aged 65 years and older. In AMD, the macula breaks down and patients lose their ability to see clearly. Everyday activities such as reading, driving, recognizing faces, and navigating stairs become difficult or even impossible.

What is lutein in vegetables?

Lutein, a nutrient found mainly in leafy green vegetables, is thought to protect against light-induced retina damage. While some studies show positive results from lutein use, more research is needed to determine its definitive benefits and safety.

Where does the word "lutein" come from?

The name lutein comes from the Latin word, lutea, meaning yellow. At normal concentrations in food, it is a yellow pigment, but can appear orange or red at high concentration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are made only by plants, so animals normally get them by eating plants. Highest concentrations are found in dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, ...

Does lutein help with heart disease?

Lutein has been studied in animals for diseases like cancer and diabetes, but this research hasn’t been conducted in humans. The claimed role for lutein in heart disease is based on findings that people with higher concentrations of lutein in their blood have fewer clogged arteries, but it is not certain that lutein is responsible.

Is it safe to take lutein with a child?

There is no evidence available to determine a safe lutein supplement dose in children.

Health Benefits

Possible Side Effects

Dosage and Preparation

• Consuming 6.9-11.7 mg of lutein per day in your diet appears to be safe. In research, lutein supplements have been used safely in doses up to 15 mg daily for up to two years. Additionally, health experts note that taking up to 20 mg of lutein both from the diet and supplements seems to be safe.5 High doses of lutein may cause a condition called ca...

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