How is lutein related to macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a condition that may begin to develop as one ages, but usually doesn’t manifest itself until later in life. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States for individuals over 65 years of age. By consuming fruits and vegetables in accordance with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, you may be achieving an adequate amount of lutein in your diet to decrease the risk of developing this disease..**18** However, consumer statistics show that only 23 percent of Americans eat the recommended amounts of vegetables and fruits daily.**19 Therefore, a dietary supplement or fortified foods and beverages containing lutein may be used as a complement to the diet. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the principle carotenoids found in the macula. They comprise the macular pigment, a yellow pigment that filters blue light and may protect the macula from free-radical damage.
