Science Behind Lutein Supplements

It is a well-known fact that lutein is one the nutrients that are essential for good vision and eye health. It is a xanthophyll and one of the 600 naturally occurring carotenoids. Although it is produced in leafy vegetable and other plants, it is very difficult to calculate exactly how much lutein is absorbed by the body. In this case, taking lutein supplements in the form of capsules can be very helpful especially if you are suffering from any vision related problems.

There are two important functions of lutein in humans:

i. A high energy blue light filter

ii. An antioxidant that scavenges and quenches photo induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)

As mentioned earlier lutein is very good for vision, hence the consumption of lutein supplements is inversely proportionate to eye-related disease such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and also cataracts, in some cases. There is evidence that lutein along with zeaxanthin are deposited in the eye lens and an area of the retina macula lutea, which is responsible for high acuity and central vision. Studies have shown that there is an increase in macular pigmentation and a reduction in ocular diseases in individuals who consume lutein supplements on a daily basis.

Crystalline lutein can be absorbed into the bloodstream readily, whereas lutein esters require a process of de-esterification by enzymes in the intestine. As compared to hydrocarbon carotenoids that can be found mainly in the LDL fraction, xanthophylls such as lutein and zeaxanthin is incorporated in both the HDL and LDL.

Lutein can be introduced into the diet in various ways. However, consuming it as a capsule is the most preferred way as the exact amount that is consumed can be known. Various animal toxicity tests have been carried out on this supplement before it was deemed as a safe nutrient. With the help of these tests, the purified crystalline form of lutein was classified as GRAS (generally recognised as safe). The observed safety levels (OSL) for lutein in the body is around 20 mg/day; however, some studies have also shown higher amounts without any adverse effects. The achievement of this GRAS status is a testament to the quality and the safety of purified lutein and hence it can be taken as a supplement in the form of capsules or can also be introduced in other foods and drinks to increase the nutritional value of that food.

Due to the various uses for this supplement for improvement of vision, lutein supplements have become a hot topic in most ophthalmology studies.

Anti-Oxidants can protect the eyes from age related degeneration

Globally, there is a rise in chronic disease as a result of the increase in the number of senior citizens. Although certain aspects of chronic disease are still obscure, researchers are confident that the chief cause of these chronic ailments is oxidative stress. How does this process take place?

Our bodies use oxygen for many vital functions. Although life is sustained by oxygen, chemical reactions involving oxygen produce free radicals, a class of molecules that can cause significant damage to the body. As these free radicals have unpaired electrons, they become stable by taking an electron from another molecule and making that molecule a free radical. The same process continues as each free radical becomes stable by creating more free radicals. As a result of this process, the cells in the body get damaged, leading to many chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Anti-oxidants are compounds that neutralize these free radicals and as a result, prevent oxidative stress. Owing to this particular feature, health professionals are recommending a diet rich in anti-oxidants to avoid chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The eyes are also damaged by oxidative stress. Two of the most common chronic ailments of the eyes are cataracts and macular degeneration. A cataract is a cloudy area on the lens of the eye that is formed when oxidative stress causes the proteins of the eye to cluster on the lens. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. In macular degeneration, the macula, the small central area of the retina, becomes damaged as a result of aging. As the macula enables us to view the fine details of objects, the consequence of macular degeneration is a loss in the ability to perform tasks like reading and watching television.

Fortunately, many anti-oxidants present not only in food but also in nutritional supplements can fight the oxidative stress and as a result, prevent conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts from occurring. The list below describes these anti-oxidants.

The Zeaxanthin and Lutein benefit is that the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration can be reduced. Both these compounds are present in significant amounts in the macula.

Vitamin E: There is considerable evidence that Vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant, can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and as a result, reduce the effects of aging. The degenerative conditions of the eyes can be prevented by consuming adequate amounts of this Vitamin.

Zinc: By enhancing the absorption of Vitamin A, a nutrient responsible for keeping the cornea healthy, zinc is a necessary component of a diet that boosts eye health.

It is recommended that the public includes these anti-oxidants as a regular part of the diet to improve eye health.

Drinking water as an antioxidant

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant helps in inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. So, basically an oxidant is a protector molecule. It protects the human cells from damage that may be caused due to the chemical reaction called oxidation that facilitates chain reactions that are very harmful for human cells. Antioxidants may be of two type: the chemical type that is added to food to preserve the food by preventing oxidation, and the antioxidants that are found in the nutrients in our daily diet. The latter is needed for the healthy functioning of the human body.

In biology, the most talked over word is ‘antioxidant’. The pressing question remains: which antioxidant is the best? A water ionizer has the ability to produce the OH-, which contains a very powerful antioxidant. This is mainly because it is the smallest of the elements and hence can penetrate the body very fast. Water in its purest form, such as the water gushing out of glaciers or in lakes has high antioxidant effects. This is mainly because of the velocity at which water moves down the mountains, facilitates the ionization of water, while absorbing minerals at the same time. Izumio drinking water is a very powerful antioxidant.

Water as antioxidant:

There are many types of food that have an antioxidant effects. Such food often forms a major part of the dietary supplements of those who are very conscious about their health. However, hydrating the body with enough water is one way of inhibiting the oxidation process. Thus water is an antioxidant. Doctors are often seen prescribing water along with medicines for digestive problems, irritable bowel movement, diabetes, skin problems, eczema, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and asthma and even for high stress levels. Water is also good for DNA protection.

Izumio drinking water helps prevent all the above mentioned ailments. It is very important to drink an adequate amount of water every day. This helps to reduce one’s appetite and facilitates metabolism. This in turn helps one to keep in shape and prevent obesity. Apart from this, it helps in better cardiovascular function and keeps the blood pressure in balance. Drinking water rejuvenates the skin and helps in reducing signs of ageing. This is done by removing the free radicals from the body that cause ageing to happen. Hence for all-round functioning of the body, drinking water is important.