DESCRIPTION
Lutein, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, is extracted from Marigold flower petals, a potent natural source. In addition, each softgel provides significant amounts of natural zeaxanthin which is a structurally and functionally similar carotenoid.
FUNCTIONS
Lutein and zeaxanthin are nutritionally important carotenoids that occur in selected, often brightly colored vegetables, such as corn, spinach and kale.
Like many other carotenoids, lutein is an important antioxidant nutrient that protects healthy cells from oxidative and free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable chemicals formed in the body during metabolism and from exposure to environmental sources, such as pollution and cigarette smoke. Free radicals are not inherently bad (they are necessary for energy metabolism and immune function), but when there is an excessive number of free radicals in the body, they can attack healthy cells, especially their membrane lipids and proteins. This, in turn, is thought to contribute to a number of degenerative diseases.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are efficient quenchers of free radicals in the body, and recent research has shown that these important carotenoids are the major eye pigments of the retina. Lutein is especially concentrated in the rods, which are those visual cells of the retina that are responsible for black and white vision in the dark.
Scientific evidence clearly suggests that lutein’s role in the retina is to protect the tissue from the damaging effects of high-energy blue spectrum light and oxygen to which the eyes are subjected more than any other tissue in the body. Both light and oxygen can create free radicals that can play havoc with the highly unsaturated lipids present in the membranes of the visual cells. The uncontrolled generation of free radicals in the eyes is believed to ultimately lead to macular degeneration and cataract.
INDICATIONS
Lutein may be a useful dietary supplement for those who wish to increase their daily lutein and zeaxanthin intake.
FORMULA (LUT)
Each softgel contains:
Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol)............................ 1.. I.U.
Lutein...................................................................... 5.. mg
Zeaxanthin.......................................................... 300.. mcg
Other ingredients: safflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, and purified water
SUGGESTED USE
One to two softgels daily with meals, or as directed by physician.
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
REFERENCES
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Bone RA, Landrum JT. Distribution of macular pigment components, zeaxanthin and lutein, in human retina. Methods Enzymol 1992;213:360-366.
Bone RA, Landrum JT, Fernandez L, Tarsis SL. Analysis of the macular pigment by HPLC: retinal distribution and age study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1988;29:843-849.
Bone RA, Landrum JT, Hime GW, Cains A, Zamor J. Stereochemistry of the human macular carotenoids. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1993;34:2033-2040.
Bone RA, Landrum JT, Tarsis SL. Preliminary identification of the human macular pigment. Vision Res 1985;25:1531-1535.
Chopra M, Willson RL, Thurnham DI. Free radical scavenging of lutein in vitro. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1993;691:246-249.
Gerster H. Anticarcinogenic effect of common carotenoids. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1993;63:93-121.
Handelman GJ, Dratz EA, Reay CC, van Kuijk JG. Carotenoids in the human macula and whole retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci
1988;29:850-855.
Khachik F, Beecher GR, Smith JC, Jr. Lutein, lycopene, and their oxidative metabolites in chemoprevention of cancer. J Cell Biochem 1995;58 Suppl. 22:236-246.
Kostic D, White WS, Olson JA. Intestinal absorption, serum clearance, and interactions between lutein and b-carotene when administered to human adults in separate or combined oral doses. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62:604-610.
Krinsky NI, Russett MD, Handelman GJ, Snodderly DM. Structural and geometrical isomers of carotenoids in human plasma. J Nutr 1990;120:1654-1662.
Mares-Perlman JA, Brady WE, Klein BE, et al. Serum carotenoids and tocopherols and severity of nuclear and cortical opacities. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1995;36:276-288.
Olmedilla B, Granado F, Blanco I, Rojas-Hidalgo E. Seasonal and sex-related variations in six serum carotenoids, retinol, and a-tocopherol. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60:106-110.
Schalch W. Carotenoids in the retina--a review of their possible role in preventing or limiting damage caused by light and oxygen. EXS 1995;62:280-298.
Seddon JM, Ajani UA, Sperduto RD, et al. Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age- related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. JAMA 1994;272:1413-1420.
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.