Is lutein a drug?

Is lutein a drug?

Lutein is a type of xanthophyll often used in treatment or prevention of eye diseases. Lutein supplements contain a natural substance classified as a carotenoid—a group of plant pigments with antioxidant effects. Lutein supplements provide a more concentrated supply of this antioxidant.

What is lutein side effects?

There appear to be very few side effects associated with lutein and zeaxanthin supplements. A large-scale eye study found no adverse effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements over five years. The only side effect identified was some skin yellowing that was not considered harmful ( 33 ).

What are the side effects of too much lutein?

Very large doses of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin can cause carotenodermia – a yellow-orange skin discoloration. It can look like jaundice, but the abnormal skin color can be removed with an alcohol swab.

What are the benefits of lutein?

What’s known about the eye health benefits of lutein?

• suppress inflammation.
• defend against free radicals and oxidative stress.
• enhance the sharpness of your vision.
• improve your visual contrast sensitivity.
• reduce glare impairment.
• protect eye tissue from sunlight damage.
• reduce cell loss and death related to eye disease.

Can lutein cause high blood pressure?

Some research suggests that high blood levels of lutein are linked with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Who should take lutein?

An eye disease that leads to vision loss in older adults (age-related macular degeneration or AMD). Taking lutein supplements by mouth for up to 36 months can improve some symptoms of AMD.

When should you take lutein?

Lutein supplements are available in soft-gel capsule form. They should be taken at mealtime because lutein is absorbed better when ingested with a small amount of fat, such as olive oil. The recommended dosage is 6 mg to 30 mg daily.

Does lutein Help the heart?

New research reveals that lutein can also help prevent cardio-metabolic disorders such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Does lutein raise blood sugar?

Some research suggests that low blood levels of lutein or other carotenoids are linked with blood sugar problems. In theory, taking lutein might reduce the risk of developing diabetes. However, other research suggests that increasing lutein intake in the diet does not reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Can diabetic take lutein?

Purpose: Lutein may protect against diabetic retinopathy (DR) due to its ability to absorb oxidizing blue light, its antioxidant properties and its location within the retina. Data from animal models and small studies conducted in humans (N<150) suggest that lutein may be inversely associated with DR.

Is lutein a blood thinner?

Richer noted, if a patient is taking agents to thin the blood, because this particular vitamin promotes blood clotting. This may be an indication for a lutein-based antioxidant supplement.