Supplementing with Evidence – Lutein

March 6, 2018

In Singapore, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the third most common cause of blindness and low vision for people aged over 60. Locally, the overall risk of AMD is 4.7%, climbing to 8% at 60 years old and hitting 16.3% for those aged 70 to 79 years old.

What can help?

According to the American Optometric Association, nutrition is one promising way to prevent or delay the progression of AMD and cataracts*.

**Do inform and discuss with your doctor before you take any supplements

Carotenoids are antioxidant nutrients that protect and maintain healthy cells of the eyes by filtering harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and neutralizing free radicals (unstable molecules) that are associated with oxidative stress causing retinal damage. There are 600 carotenoids found in nature, but only 2, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, are deposited in high amounts in the retina of the eye.
Unfortunately, our bodies do not naturally make the lutein and zeaxanthin our eyes need. This is why getting daily amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin through eating green vegetables and corn can help maintain healthy vision.

If you are at risk, and not getting enough lutein and zeaxanthin through your diet alone, you may consider taking supplements.

How much should one take?

To reduce risk of AMD & cataracts

According to trials, 6 mg of lutein per day, either through diet or using supplements is effective for reducing the risk of cataracts and AMD. People consuming 6.9 to 11.7 mg of lutein a day through diet had the lowest risk of developing AMD and cataracts.

Web MD recommends 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin per day for eye health.

For reducing symptoms of AMD
10 mg per day of lutein supplement has been suggested.

WHC Active Mind uses FloraGLO^® Lutein a naturally-sourced lutein from marigold flowers, providing your body with the same absorbable form of lutein found in the foods you eat.
FloraGLO^® is the most studied lutein brand worldwide with proven efficacy in more than 80 published human clinical trials, more than any other lutein brand on the market. 
FloraGLO^® was the lutein choice in the largest lutein supplementation trial to date, the prestigious National Institutes of Health’s, National Eye Institute Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, better known as AREDS2.

The contents here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. This email is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.