Appropriate dosage of lutein

For a few years, lutein has been widely known to because of its effectiveness of the prevention of age-related macular degeneration. But many people do not know how much lutein dosage is appropriate. In this article, we introduce some other nutrients that are similar to lutein or belong to the same category as lutein. In addition, the right dosage of lutein consumption is actually linked with the consumption of some other substances. Here we try to give an explanation of possible interaction.

Lutein is just a tiny member in the carotenoids family

It is known by some people that lutein is only one kind of carotenoid. There are many other members in this family. Generally speaking, carotenoids can be mainly grouped into two categories: carotenes and xanthophylls. Alpha, beta-carotene and lycopene belong to carotenes, whilst lutein and zeaxanthin are actually under the xanthophylls category.

Lutein belongs to the much larger antioxidants family

In addition, carotenoids still belong to a larger category called antioxidant, which is a critical nutritional group in the body. Other antioxidants include vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, curcumin, anthocyanins, 1-carnosine and so forth. L-glutathione is a very potent antioxidant but it is always absent in nutritional supplements.

Possible interactive between lutein and enteric coatings

Different nutrients contained in supplement products have certain interaction. For instance, L-glutathione can pass through the intestinal wall into the blood stream only if it is in a reduced form. As a result, most supplements do not contain this ingredient. A supplement containing L-glutathione should also contain an enteric coating. Otherwise the desired effect is unavailable.

But on the other hand, this enteric coating requires the appropriate lutein dosage to be 50mg. This situation is true for some other antioxidants such as curcumin. Without protection from an enteric coating, it will be quickly degraded by stomach acid. To some extent, this is truly a dilemma. This kind of interaction between two substances suggests that doctors should take a second thought before prescribing “interactive” medications.

Lutein dosage has no minimum or maximum limitations

Although there is relation between lutein dosage and other factors such as enteric coating, no minimum daily requirement of lutein has yet been established. And there is also no upper limit. One point is true that high dosage of any carotenoids will cause the skin to be bronzing. This is simply because carotenoids are pigments. For many people, this color change in skin is undesirable. In general, the lutein dosage for children aging five and older is much lower. Approximately 10mg per day is enough.

Artificial or synthetic supplements with lutein should be rejected

The source of these nutrients should also be carefully considered. Statistics show that about 85% of the supplements on the market contain synthetic beta-carotene. And some vitamin supplements are even synthesized from petro-chemicals. Healthy and effective supplements should offer 100% natural ingredients. No chemical additives, no artificial preservatives colors or flavors are allowed.