Lutein
Lutein is a yellow pigment and micronutrient recognized as a carotenoid, primarily found in various vegetables, fruits, and egg yolks, as well as in the human retina. It is renowned for its potential antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Lutein is associated with several health benefits, particularly for eye health, as it is believed to guard against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. In addition, some research suggests that lutein may play a role in cancer prevention, particularly for prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, although study results are mixed regarding its effectiveness. Lutein is most effectively absorbed when consumed with dietary fats and is present in foods such as kale, spinach, and broccoli. While dietary intake of lutein is generally considered safe, the safety and appropriate dosage of lutein supplements remain uncertain. Individuals with allergies to eggs or lutein-rich vegetables should exercise caution, and pregnant or lactating women should consult healthcare providers before using supplements.
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Lutein
ALSO KNOWN AS: Xanthophyll, non-provitamin A carotenoid
DEFINITION: Lutein is a yellow pigment and micronutrient found in some vegetables, fruits, and eggs, as well as in the human retina. It is best known as a carotenoid, a plant phytochemical thought to have antioxidant properties that protect against cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals.
Cancers treated or prevented: Prostate, breast, colon, lung, and ovarian cancers
Delivery routes: Oral via food or dietary supplements. The most significant food sources for lutein are broccoli, brussels sprouts, collards, kale, peas, pumpkin, spinach, turnip, mustard and dandelion greens, summer and winter squash, and sweet yellow corn. Egg yolks contain a more quickly absorbed form of lutein. Lutein absorption is increased from the intestine when combined with a dietary fat source, such as oil or margarine.
How this substance works: Lutein is chemically similar to the micronutrient zeaxanthin, and they often work together to provide protective benefits. Lutein, also known as a non-provitamin A carotenoid, cannot convert into vitamin A when needed by the body. Most studies find that lutein protects the eyes from diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Some studies find lutein effective against cancer because it decreases the growth of blood vessels to cancerous tumors, increases cancer cell destruction, and improves cell deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair. Overall study results are mixed, however, with one study showing lutein reduced prostate cancer by 25 percent (and as much as 32 percent when combined with the carotenoid lycopene) and another showing an increase in stomach cancer. Still, a later study showed lutein displayed little effectiveness in treating prostate cancer. In general, most studies find that lutein provides some protection against breast, kidney, bladder, and ovarian cancers. Studies, however, showed no benefit of lutein supplementation for lung cancer. Conflicting studies exists on lutein's effectiveness in preventing colon and cervical cancer. The dosage and safety of lutein dietary supplements are still unknown. Doses of lutein up to 20 milligrams per day have been determined to be safe. Consuming lutein from food sources is advised, however, because of its interaction with other compounds found within these foods.
Side effects: Caution is advised for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to eggs or lutein-containing vegetables. In general, no toxicities or drug interactions have been reported with lutein from food sources. Caution, especially in pregnant or lactating women, should be used with lutein supplements because the risks are still unknown.
Bibliography
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Gong, Xiaoming, et al. "Carotenoid Lutein Selectively Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Potentiates the Effect of Chemotherapeutic Agents through ROS-Mediated Mechanisms." Molecules: A Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry, vol. 23, no. 4, 2018, doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040905. Accessed 17 June 2024.
“Lutein.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 16 Nov. 2022, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/lutein. Accessed 17 June 2024.
Mutanen, Marja, and Anne-Marie Pajari. Vegetables, Whole Grains, and Their Derivatives in Cancer Prevention. Springer, 2011.
Reynoso-Camacho, R., et al. "Dietary Supplementation of Lutein Reduces Colon Carcinogenesis in DMH-Treated Rats by Modulating K-ras, PKB, and β-catenin Proteins." Nutrition and Cancer, vol. 63.1, 2011, pp. 39–45.
Tanumihardjo, Sherry A. Carotenoids and Human Health. New York, 2013.