Lutein and Alzheimer's Disease

Lutein, is a carotenoid which passes through the blood-brain-barrier, and accumulates in the retina of the eye. In the retina lutein is a powerful antioxidant and protective filter, which blocks damaging blue light from damaging the retina, and reverses oxidative damage to the eye. ¹

However, lutein is now being shown to not only protect the eye but also the brain. Data from studies examining brain health and lutein, have shown a correlation between improved brain functioning and concentration of brain lutein. Researchers attribute this to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of lutein. Furthermore, lutein concentrates in the brain at much higher levels than any other carotenoid. While lutein was also the only carotenoid consistently associated with cognitive functioning, the carotenoid zeaxanthin has been shown to also have a role in brain health.^2,3

Studies of cognitive impairment underscore a correlation between level of lutein with cognitive functioning. Such a correlation was found in Alzheimer’s (AD) patients, with lutein concentrations in the plasma and brain are significantly lower in those with AD as compared to the control subjects. In older women given lutein supplements, there was shown improvement in cognition. Given this evidence, it has been suggested that lutein may offer prevention in the development of cognitive dysfunction including AD. ³

VISION VITALITY™  (35 mg Lutein per serving)

REFERENCES:

(1) Carpentier S, et al. Associations between lutein, zeaxanthin, and age-related macular degeneration: an overview. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Apr.

(2) Johnson EJ. A possible role for lutein and zeaxanthin in cognitive function in the elderly. Am J Clin Nutr 2012 Nov.

(3) Xu X, et al. Advances in the researches of lutein and alzheimer's disease . Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2015 May.