Lutein: A New Functional Ingredient for Eye Health
Your vision is one of your most essential senses, and maintaining it over time is key to a healthy life. Nutrients like lutein, a natural compound concentrated in the macula of the eye, play a critical role in eye health.
Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, lutein helps protect and support vision throughout life. As an ingredient in eye health supplements, it can support your goal of lifelong good eyesight by defending against oxidative stress and supporting the structure of your eyes.
If you have lutein in your sight as a new functional ingredient, here is what you need to know about effects, recommended daily dose, and solubility.
What Is Lutein?
Lutein is a carotenoid, a type of yellow pigment found in plants that contributes to their vibrant colors. It is part of the carotenoid family, which includes other well-known compounds such as beta-carotene and lycopene.
Lutein is particularly noted for its antioxidant properties and is commonly associated with eye health. It is often found alongside another carotenoid, zeaxanthin; together, they’re known as macular pigments due to their high concentrations in the eye macula.
While available as a dietary supplement, lutein is not typically sold as a branded prescription medication but rather as a functional ingredient or supplement.. Currently available over-the-counter products include:
Anti-Fatigue Eye Drops (intraocular liquid)
Furryden Dental Easy Green (chewing gum)
GNC Multivitamin Mega Women Tablet (oral tablet)
GNC NATURAL BRAND LUTEIN PLUS (oral capsule)
Macuvex (oral capsule)
Macuzin (oral capsule)
Noon for Kids (oral powder)
Dietary sources of lutein
Lutein can be obtained from various dietary sources, primarily from green leafy vegetables and some fruits. Foods rich in lutein include:
Kale
Spinach
Collard greens
Turnip greens
Corn
Broccoli
Egg yolks
These foods are rich in lutein, but the overall percentage can be low, meaning you’d have to eat a lot of greens to attain a functional dose. Additionally, lutein from dietary sources can have low bioaccessibility and bioavailability.
What Are the Eye Health Benefits of Lutein?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Lutein benefits have been extensively studied in relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. So far, lutein supplementation has been associated with increasing macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and filtering blue light, both of which can help support eye health and resilience as we age or are exposed to eye stressors like UV light from the sun or blue light from phone, tablet, computer and TV screens.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes and can lead to vision impairment. Some studies indicate that lutein’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities over time could support vascular health in the eye. Improved vascular health and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetes may be shown to benefit individuals with diabetic retinopathy.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when proteins in the lens of the eye clump together, leading to cloudiness and impaired vision. Research has shown that increased dietary intake of lutein and its sister functional ingredient, zeaxanthin (the only two carotenoids and macular pigments present in the lens of the eye), may support better visual performance and play a role in protecting the lens from oxidative stress markers and damage contributing to cataract formation.
Dry eye disease
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and vision problems. Some evidence suggests dry eye drops containing lutein may help alleviate symptoms associated with dry eye disease by supporting overall eye health and balancing inflammation in corneal epithelial cells. Lutein for dry eyes could potentially enhance tear production and improve moisture retention on the ocular surface.
Considerations for Formulation
Bioavailability
The bioavailability of lutein refers to how well it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. Lutein is fat-soluble, meaning it is better absorbed when consumed with dietary fats. This characteristic should be considered when formulating supplements or recommending nutritional sources.
Solubility
Due to its lipophilic (fat-loving) nature, lutein's solubility can impact its effectiveness in liquid formulations. Many supplements utilize oil-based carriers to enhance solubility and absorption, but these often have an unpleasant taste or present formulation limitations . Advances in formulation techniques, such as emulsification, can improve the delivery and efficacy of lutein supplements.
Daily recommended dosage
While there is no official daily recommended allowance for lutein, studies suggest an intake of 10 mg daily may benefit eye health. Research indicates that higher doses, up to 20 mg per day, could offer additional advantages without significant risks.
Does Lutein Help the Eyes?
Dietary lutein for eyes may support overall eye health and offer protective benefits against ocular conditions such as AMD, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and dry eye disease, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further our screen intensive lifestyle—whether for gamers or everyday computer users—present evolving conditions in which using lutein may be beneficial. As research continues to evolve, understanding optimal formulations and dosages will be key to maximizing its benefits for eye health.
Are you seeking to create new formulations to deliver challenging, non-water soluble functional ingredients like lutein? Consider partnering with Spokes Sciences. We use GRAS ingredients and microemulsification techniques to make functional ingredient products more accessible and bioavailable. Contact us today.