Health effects lutein

A concern has been raised that phytosterol doses that are effective for cholesterol reduction may impair the absorption and lower blood concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants. A number of studies showed that phytosterols had no effect on plasma concentrations of vitamin D, retinol, or plasma-lipid-standardized alpha-tocopherol. Moreover, the reports of the effect of phytosterols on concentrations of blood carotenoids (lutein, lycopene, and alpha-carotene) are controversial. There seems to be general agreement that phytosterol doses >1 g/d significantly decrease LDL-C standardized beta-carotene concentrations however, it remains to be determined whether a reported 15-20% reduction in beta-carotene due to phytosterol supplementation is associated with adverse health effects. Noakes et al. found that consumption of one or more carotenoid-rich vegetable or fruit servings a day was sufficient to prevent lowering of plasma carotenoid concentrations in 46 subjects with hypercholesterolemia treated with 2.3 g of either sterol or stanol esters. 

Apples are a good source of vitamin C and E. Moreover they contain lutein, folic acid, potassium and magnesium. Vitamin C and E together with lutein are important antioxidants and may contribute to protective health effects against chronic diseasesFolic acid, as well as potassium and magnesium, has been associated with a reduced risk of CVD. ... 

Data concerning gastric cancer are scarce. The prospective Netherlands Cohort Study found no correlation between lutein dietary intake and gastric cancer risk, whereas findings from the Physicians Health Study and the ATBC study reported no effect of P-carotene on gastric cancer incidence. Two case-control studies and three intervention trials (ATBC, CARET, and the Physicians Health Study ) showed no association of P-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and P-cryptoxanthin. 

Lutein provides a brilliant yellow colouring within a wide range of pH levels. There is also a positive side effect attributed to this natural colour extract from the genus Tagetes lutein is supposed to have positive effects on the long-term health of the human eye. 

Figure 111.1 shows the principal carotenoids found in natural products, together with zeaxanthin, which is not as ubiquitous. p-Carotene, a-carotene, p-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene are also the carotenoids most conunonly found in human plasma. These carotenoids, together with zeaxanthin, have been shown to have health-promoting effects. 

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