Lutein macula protection

Several studies have linked lutein to a lower risk for eye, skin and other health disorders, probably through its antioxidant activity. Lutein is apparently metabolized to zeaxanthin, an isomer, and several other compounds which protect the macula from ultraviolet radiation. The suggestion is that lutein may play a positive role in reducing macular degeneration. Other reports have linked lutein to a reduction of risk of cancer.13 Regardless, lutein is currently being promoted as an important dietary supplement. 

P-carotene is only one of many antioxidants, which can be detected in the skin. Other carotenoids, for example, lutein and zeaxanthine, are preferentially found in the macula lutea, the so-called yellow spot in the eye. Here, carotenoids are subject to a metabolism typical for that tissue, which cannot be found in other tissues (e.g., formation of meso-zeaxanthine). In addition, they can specifically be absorbed into the macula. In the macula, they protect the retinal pigment epithelial cells against oxidative damage from UV light. Indeed, these two carotenoids can be protective against age-dependent macula degeneration. 

Lutein (6) and Zeaxanthin (9) in Kiwifruit Improvement and Protection on Human Macula and Retina... 

The carotenoid lycopene has been reported to lower the risk of prostate cancer, but the evidence for a relationship between carotenoid intake and the risk of other cancers is conflicting. Increased intake of lutein and zeaxanthin may help to delay or prevent age-related maculopathy, because these carotenoids are concentrated in the macula and are likely to be very important in local protection of the lipid-rich retina. To date, however, epidemiological findings point to health benefits of foods containing carotenoids, and the influence, if any, of individual carotenoids remains to be established. 

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