How does lutein protect against age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Fortunately, research shows that lutein, a powerful antioxidant found naturally in many foods, may help protect against this debilitating eye condition. As a lutein manufacturer, we're excited to explore the many ways this remarkable nutrient supports eye health and fights macular degeneration. Let's take a closer look at how it works to safeguard your vision as you age.

Lutein Benefits for Eye Health and Vision

What is Lutein?

Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid, a yellow-to-red pigment present in many plants and algae, and it belongs to the xanthophyll family. It plays an essential role in maintaining eye health. Together with zeaxanthin, another carotenoid, it concentrates in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed, sharp vision. This accumulation helps protect the eye from light-induced oxidative damage, supporting the health and function of the retina and contributing to overall visual performance.

How Lutein Functions in the Eye

Lutein functions as a potent antioxidant in the eye, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals that can damage delicate retinal cells. It also serves as a natural blue light filter, blocking high-energy light that contributes to oxidative stress and cellular degradation over time. By minimizing oxidative damage and protecting against blue light exposure, it supports the overall health and optimal performance of the light-sensitive cells within the retina.

Vision Benefits of Lutein

Research shows lutein offers several important vision benefits:

- Improves visual acuity and contrast sensitivity

- Reduces glare sensitivity and light scatter in the eye

- Enhances night vision and low-light visual performance

- Speeds visual processing and reaction time

- May slow progression of cataracts

Preventing Macular Degeneration with Lutein

How AMD Develops?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) develops when the macula, the central region of the retina responsible for detailed vision, gradually deteriorates over time. This degeneration can result in blurred or distorted central vision, making tasks like reading or recognizing faces difficult. AMD usually progresses slowly as oxidative damage accumulates in the macula. Common risk factors include aging, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and a family history of the disease.

Lutein's Protective Effects

Numerous studies have found that higher dietary intake and blood levels of lutein are associated with reduced risk of developing AMD. It appears to protect against AMD through several mechanisms:

- Neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the retina

- Filtering out damaging blue light

- Improving the density of macular pigment

- Enhancing blood flow to the retina

- Supporting the function of retinal cells

Research on Lutein and AMD

A landmark study called AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2) found that taking lutein and zeaxanthin supplements reduced progression to advanced AMD by 10% compared to the original AREDS formulation. Other research has shown that people with the highest dietary intake of lutein have a 57% lower risk of advanced AMD compared to those with the lowest intake. As lutein manufacturers continue to study its effects, the evidence for lutein's protective benefits against AMD keeps growing stronger.

Foods and Supplements Rich in Lutein

Dietary Sources of Lutein

Many healthy foods contain lutein, especially leafy green vegetables. Top food sources include:

- Kale

- Spinach

- Collard greens

- Turnip greens

- Romaine lettuce

- Broccoli

- Corn

- Green peas

- Egg yolks

- Orange pepper

Recommended Lutein Intake

There is currently no established recommended daily allowance for lutein, but many vision and nutrition experts suggest consuming between 6–10 mg per day for optimal eye health benefits. Most people, however, get only about 1–2 mg daily from a typical Western diet. To achieve beneficial levels, it’s advisable to increase consumption of lutein-rich foods such as leafy greens and colorful vegetables, or consider taking a high-quality lutein supplement to support overall eye health.

Lutein Supplements

For individuals who may not obtain sufficient lutein from their diet, supplements provide an effective alternative. As a trusted lutein manufacturer, we offer premium lutein supplements sourced from natural marigold flowers. Our lutein powder, containing 5–80% lutein, is available in convenient capsule and tablet forms to suit various needs. When selecting a supplement, choose products that combine product with zeaxanthin, as this powerful duo works synergistically to promote optimal eye health and protect vision.

Conclusion

Lutein plays a crucial role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration by reducing oxidative stress, filtering blue light, and supporting overall eye health. Getting adequate lutein through diet and supplements may significantly lower your risk of developing this sight-threatening condition as you age. As a trusted lutein manufacturer, we're committed to producing premium products to support your eye health and vision for years to come.

At Yangge Biotech, we specialize in natural plant extracts like lutein for use in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages. Our product is derived from marigold flowers and meets the highest quality standards. Whether you're a supplement manufacturer or food company, we can provide the lutein ingredients you need. Contact us to learn more about our lutein powder and how it can enhance your products. For more information on our natural plant extracts and how they can elevate your offerings, contact us at info@yanggebiotech.com.

FAQ

 

Q: Can we get some samples to test before purchasing?

A: Of course, we can provide free samples of 20 to 100 grams, but the shipping cost is at the customer's expense. The shipping cost can be deducted from the next order, or the samples can be sent through your courier account.

 

Q: Do your products have relevant certifications?

A: Yes, our products are certified for HALAL, ISO, HACCP, Kosher, and other certifications.

 

Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

A: Small batches of samples can be customized according to your requirements.

 

Q: Do you offer OEM and ODM services? Can the formula be customized based on our own?

A: Of course, we provide ODM and OEM services to many customers. Our product range includes softgels, capsules, tablets, sachets, granules, and private label services. Simply contact us and let us know your requirements. Our experienced R&D team can also develop new products with specific formulas.

Please contact us to design your own branded products.

 

Q: How do you handle quality complaints?

A: First, we have a comprehensive quality control SOP. We provide authoritative third-party inspection reports for almost all products before shipment to minimize the possibility of quality issues. Second, we have a comprehensive return and exchange procedure. If there is a genuine quality dispute, we will strictly follow the SOP.

 

Q: How do you ship? How long does delivery take?

A: For small orders, we typically use DHL, UPS, EMS, FedEx, or TNT. Delivery typically takes 3-7 days. We also offer air and sea freight services. We have a strong freight forwarding team and can provide you with a one-stop service, including DDP and DDU.

 

Q: What are your payment terms?

A: 100% prepayment, payable by T/T, Western Union, MoneyGram, or PayPal.

 

Q: What is the shelf life of your products?

A: 2 years with proper storage.

 

Q: Is the packaging environmentally friendly?

A: We attach great importance to environmental protection and are constantly improving our product packaging. Some products are packaged in recyclable paper. Packaging materials are carefully selected to ensure product safety during transportation and storage, and to minimize environmental impact. We are committed to achieving a balance between environmental friendliness and practicality in our product packaging, and to contributing to sustainable development.

References

1. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group. Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2013.

2. Seddon JM, et al. Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. JAMA. 1994.

3. Bernstein PS, et al. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin: The basic and clinical science underlying carotenoid-based nutritional interventions against ocular disease. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2016.

4. Eisenhauer B, et al. Lutein and Zeaxanthin-Food Sources, Bioavailability and Dietary Variety in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Protection. Nutrients. 2017.

5. Ma L, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin intake and the risk of age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2012.