June 6, 2024

Lutein Plus for the eyes and beyond!

Lutein Plus for the eyes and beyond!

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

In today’s blog I will be reviewing a very popular Invite product, Lutein Plus. Lutein Plus contains lutein, zeaxanthin and DHA. Let’s start with 2 of the most well-known eye studies, AREDS and AREDS2. Both of these studies focus on a formula known as AREDS. Part of what this formula contains is 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin. And guess what? Lutein Plus contains exactly 10mg of lutein and 2mg of zeaxanthin! Now back to what the studies show. Well these studies have found that formulas with these nutrients can help to slow the progression of macular degeneration. (1)

In addition to being helpful for macular degeneration lutein has been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits which may be helpful at reducing the symptoms of various chronic diseases. (2) According to studies lutein can help to reduce the risk of developing cataracts. (3) In fact one study with over 30,000 participants found a “significant reduction in cataract risk in those with the highest levels of lutein”. (4) Another study found that after just 2 years of use lutein supplementation was helpful in improving vision. (5) A 24 week study found that in those with Retinitis pigmentosa lutein supplementation significantly increased the visual field. (6) In addition to being studied for its benefits on vision lutein has been found to help with cognition or memory. In fact those with higher lutein levels have been found to have better cognitive ability scores than those with lower levels. (7) Lutein has even been studied and found to have benefits for our heart due to its ability to help with factors such reducing the concentration of inflammatory cytokines. (2) Lutein has been found to be very beneficial for our health, however I have a few other things to talk about in this blog so I’ll just do a quick summary of benefits. Studies have found benefits of lutein to include improved respiratory and lung health, improved liver function and health, improvement in bone health and even potential benefits for our skin. (2)

Moving on from lutein the next nutrient in the formula is zeaxanthin. What the heck is zeaxanthin? It is a powerful antioxidant. It actually has many of the same uses as lutein. Now as I stated earlier zeaxanthin was one of the nutrients in the AREDS study, which as I said showed its benefits for macular degeneration. What other benefits are there to zeaxanthin? Well studies have found zeaxanthin can help reduce the risk of cataracts and even help protect our eyes form damage due to UV light. As a powerful antioxidant zeaxanthin can help to protect our eyes form reactive oxygen species. In addition to our eyes zeaxanthin has been found in studies to have benefits for our liver, heart and even our skin! (8)

Lastly Lutein Plus contains DHA. I know what you’re thinking, but Doctor Claire I can’t take DHA it’s from fish and I’m a vegetarian! Well the DHA found in Lutein Plus is from Algae so there’s no worries! Studies have found that DHA can help reduce the rate of diabetic retinopathy. While more research is needed in one study it was found that DHA can help to decrease eye pressure which indicated that it may be helpful in glaucoma. Studies have found that DHA may help with dry eye especially in those with glaucoma. (9)

Overall as you can see Lutein Plus is an amazing eye formula! Our next topic will be glaucoma.

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