Luteine
Description
Lutein belongs to the large family of carotenoids, just like its isomer, zeaxanthin. Both are vegetable pigments of natural origin, yellow in low concentrations and orange-red in higher concentrations. The human body cannot produce neither lutein nor zeaxanthin, so it must obtain them from food.
There is very little data on the consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin, but it is estimated that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables should contain 1-2 mg of lutein to meet daily lutein requirements.
However, due to low fruit and vegetable consumption, some individuals have an inadequate intake of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
The benefits
- Lutein is found in the eye, blood, skin, brain and chest.
- Thanks to their antioxidant properties, lutein and zeaxanthin exert a protective action that fights the destructive effects of free radicals on cells and, consequently, helps prevent certain diseases, especially those related to age.
