Lutein (from Marigold Extract)

Lutein is a carotenoid most known for being one of the three macular carotenoids, along with zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. There are two groups of carotenoids: carotenes (like beta-carotene) and xanthophylls; lutein belongs to the xanthophyll group. The chemical properties that result in lutein being classified as a xanthophyll also result in its being able to cross the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier (beta-carotene, as an example, can’t cross either), and make it a very good eye and brain antioxidant. Green leafy vegetables are the best food sources of lutein. Lutein and the other macular carotenoids (or macular pigments) accumulate in an area near the center of the retina called the macula, which is responsible for sharp, clear central vision—the reason this area looks yellow is because of these macular carotenoids. They play a vital role in filtering blue light, acting a bit like shade for the macula, which is one of the reasons they are so important for the health of the eye and visual system. Lutein is the most abundant of macular carotenoids and is also among the predominant carotenoids in the brain, accounting for over one-third of brain carotenoids. Higher levels of lutein have been associated with healthy cognitive function [1–5].*

TOP BENEFITS OF LUTEIN

Supports healthy vision * 

Supports healthy brain function *

Supports mood *

QUALIA’S LUTEIN SOURCING

Lutein is a non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan ingredient.

LUTEIN FORMULATING PRINCIPLES AND RATIONALE

Estimates suggest the average daily intake of lutein is between 1-3 mg from the diet [6]. Lutein plays an essential role in brain health and vision—it concentrates in the retina of the eye and in regions of the brain involved with vision and visual processing. Lutein is usually supplemented in amounts ranging from about 2-12 mg. When combined with other ingredients, the amount supplemented is often towards the lower end of this range. We supplement lutein within this range. When we use an amount towards the low end of the range, it is to augment dietary intake to support brain and vision health.*

LUTEIN KEY MECHANISMS

Supports healthy vision*

Supports macular pigment levels [7–17]

Supports healthy visual function [8–11,13,16–20]

Supports healthy retinal function [20,21]

Supports resistance to eye strain [17]

Supports resistance to visual fatigue [17,22]

Supports photostress recovery [16]

Supports healthy brain function*

Supports healthy cognitive performance [23]

Supports memory [15,23,24]

Supports sustained and complex attention [12,15,23]

Supports executive function [15]

Supports reasoning ability [12]

Supports cognitive flexibility [15]

Supports psychomotor speed [23]

Supports processing speed [23]

Supports neural visual-spatial processing [25]

Supports visual processing [13,14]

Supports spatial memory [12]

Supports brain activation [26]

Supports sleep quality [17]

Supports brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels [23]

Supports a healthy mood*

Supports stress responses [27]

Supports emotional health [27]

Promotes general health and wellbeing*

Supports blood antioxidant capacity [23]

Maintains healthy blood cytokine levels [23]

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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