Lutein is rapidly becoming recognized for its role in preventing macular degeneration. Concentrated in the retina as well as present in fruits and vegetables (especially dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and collard greens), lutein appears to prevent the risk of macular degeneration and other eye illnesses by protecting the fragile back of the eye from harmful blue light. However, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are both xanthophiles (one of the major classes of carotenoids) are also effective in fighting diseases in other parts of the body. Research shows that antioxidant carotenoids, especially lutein, may prevent coronary heart disease. A study from Cambridge University, comparing carotenoid intake in Toulouse, France, and Belfast, Ireland, showed that the French subjects had twice the level of lutein as the Irish, and the French subjects less plaque clogging their arteries than the Irish. Nutritional supplements allow us to prevent disease before it has a chance to start. Consuming lutein in both supplements and produce can help us see our way to a healthy old age.

LUTEIN and CANCER: A 1996 study by researchers at the University of Michigan showed that there was a correlation between high lutein levels and a high number of estrogen receptors (ER) in the female breast. ER-positive breast cancer is associated with improved survival since more treatment sites are available to treat this disease.

In the Fiji Islands, lung cancer is considerably lower than in the United States despite a comparable rate of smoking; a 1995 study found that lutein consumption in these islands-where residents ingest 18-23 milligrams a day-was strongly correlated with lower lung cancer rates.

Paperchase ref: 96010337 Khachik, F., et al. "Lutein, lycopene, and their oxidative metabolites in chemoprevention of cancer." J Cell Biochem Suppl (1995)

Paperchase ref: 99297207 Park, JS., et al. "Dietary lutein but not astaxanthin or beta-carotene increases pim-1 gene expression in murine lymphocytes." Nutr Cancer (1999)

Paperchase ref: Chew,BP., et al. "Effects of lutein from marigold extract on immunity and growth of mammary tumors in mice." Anticancer Res (1996 Nov-Dec)

For more information on nutraceuticals that prevent and reverse disease read "The Nutraceutical Revolution" by Dr. Richard Firshein.

by Dr. Richard Firshein