Lutein is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. A large body of evidence shows that lutein has several beneficial effects, especially on eye health. In particular, lutein is known to improve or even prevent age-related macular disease which is the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment.
What are the benefits of taking 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.
What are the side effects of taking lutein?
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 ( 32 ).
