Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eye and Skin Health

Nutrition plays a crucial role in long-term health maintenance, including the health of our eyes and skin. Over 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and older have eye health concerns,¹⁸ and with an aging population—projected to reach 71.5 million by 2030¹—the prevalence of eye health issues is expected to increase. Moreover, the American Academy of Dermatology has reported that one in four Americans experience skin health concerns annually.²

This underscores a vital truth: we must proactively support our health by ensuring adequate intake of nutrients that target specific health areas, including antioxidant carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye and skin support.

What are Lutein & Zeaxanthin?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are nutrients known as carotenoid pigments. Familiar carotenoids include vitamin A (beta-carotene), found in orange produce like carrots, and lycopene, found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and watermelon. Carotenoids, which give color to produce, are abundant in nature with over 600 identified types.³As members of the xanthophyll family, lutein and its related compounds are particularly abundant in green leafy vegetables.

Each carotenoid offers unique benefits, with some having a specific affinity for certain body parts.³ Lutein is found in the eyes, brain, and skin, helping to protect these vital organs from free radicals and oxidative stress. Eating a variety of colorful produce is crucial for nutritional diversity, which plays a key role in overall health and well-being.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, also known as macular pigments, are highly concentrated in the macula and are also found in the skin.³ These carotenoids are structurally similar and often coexist in foods and supplements.

How Do Lutein and Zeaxanthin Work?

The vision benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin stem primarily from their ability to filter harmful blue light while also providing antioxidant benefits. Filtering blue light is critical because these rays are shorter and more energetic than other types of visible light, making them particularly damaging to the retina.⁴

Blue light, closely related to UV light, is naturally emitted by the sun and is the largest source of blue light. Artificial sources include fluorescent and LED lighting, as well as digital screens. With the average American adult spending about 10 hours daily on electronic devices, exposure to blue light has significantly increased.⁵

Lutein also supports skin health by providing antioxidants that help skin cells combat oxidative damage, a major factor in many skin health issues, including signs of aging.^3,7

Additional Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

The antioxidant effects of lutein extend to the skin, offering protection from free radicals, which contribute to skin aging and health issues.¹⁰

Increased lutein levels have been associated with higher IQs, with about 60% of brain tissue carotenoids being lutein.¹¹ Lutein's presence in the brain also contributes to cognitive health through its antioxidant properties.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eye Health

Known as "eye vitamins," lutein and zeaxanthin are primarily studied for their eye health benefits. Regular consumption of these nutrients is linked to fewer eye health issues, including age-related conditions.⁸

Considering our daily exposure to blue light from various sources, taking lutein and zeaxanthin supplements is a beneficial strategy for maintaining eye health.

The accumulation of these nutrients in the macula, a region of the retina crucial for vision, underlines their importance in filtering blue light and protecting against age-related eye concerns.^9,13 Lutein also enhances night vision, further supporting eye health.¹³

Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Skin Health

Maintaining skin health is challenging due to constant exposure to environmental stressors. Nutritional support with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin plays a crucial role in combating these challenges.¹⁰ These carotenoids, although found in lower levels in the skin compared to other carotenoids, are integral to skin protection.¹⁴

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Dosage: How Much Do I Need?

The American Optometric Association recommends supplementing with at least 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin daily if your diet lacks these nutrients.¹⁵

Doses ranging from 6.9 mg to 20 mg of lutein per day have been studied, with up to 15 mg daily used safely for up to two years.¹⁶ Always follow your product's directions to determine the correct dosage.

For those interested in dietary sources, a cup of raw kale, one of the richest sources, contains 22 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin.¹⁶ Reviewing a list of food sources is beneficial for assessing your daily intake.

How Can I Get Lutein and Zeaxanthin?

The most effective way to obtain lutein and zeaxanthin is through a diet rich in dark, leafy greens. Supplements, such as BubbForest Synergistic Eye Formula with Lutein and Zeaxanthin, can help meet nutritional needs, especially if daily consumption of these vegetables is challenging.

Food Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Here is a list of selected foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin:¹⁷

• Kale (22 mg per 1 cup raw, 44 mg per 1 cup cooked)
• Spinach (6.7 mg per 1 cup raw, 15 mg per 1 cup cooked)
• Turnip greens (9 mg per 1/2 cup cooked)
• Collard greens (8.7 mg per 1/2 cup cooked)
• Broccoli (3.3 mg per 1 cup cooked)
• Corn (1.5 mg per 1/2 cup cooked)
• Romaine lettuce (1.47 mg per 1 cup raw)
• Green peas (1.1 mg per 1/2 cup)
• Brussels sprouts (1 mg in 1/2 cup cooked)
• Eggs (0.3 mg in 2 whole eggs)

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplements

Protect yourself from blue light and free radical damage with supplements formulated for eye and skin health. Choose from supplements containing only lutein or those combining both lutein and zeaxanthin for comprehensive protection.

BubbForest Vision Defense

This innovative formula features Lutemax 2020 and a blend of antioxidants like TrueBroc® broccoli extract, Mirtoselect® bilberry extract, and AstaPure® astaxanthin, enhancing the effects of lutein. It delivers a range of nutrients and antioxidants that support healthy retinas, helping maintain focus and comfort for your eyes.

BubbForest Lutein 20 mg

This supplement promotes healthy eyes and skin and combats eye fatigue with 20 mg of lutein from marigold flowers. It's ideal for adjusting lutein intake based on dietary sources, providing a flexible dosing option. For those seeking higher doses, 40 mg lutein softgels are also available. Lutein, being fat-soluble, is best absorbed with dietary fats, and BubbForest's softgels with sunflower seed oil are a convenient and effective option.

BubbForest Zeaxanthin 4 mg

Enhance your defenses against free radicals with zeaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that provides specific benefits for eye tissues and overall health protection.

Discover BubbForest’s full range of supplements for vision health here.

Carotenoids for Vision and Skin Support

The importance of nutrition for maintaining healthy eyes and skin cannot be overstated. Start supporting your eye and skin health today to manage age and lifestyle-related concerns effectively and sustain your long-term well-being.

Learn more about the impact of blue light and nutritional choices on eye health by exploring Important Facts about Blue Light and Eye Health and Build Xtraordinary Eyes: Nutrition for Eye Health.

Stay well.

BubbForest

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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5. More Than 10 Hours of Screen Time. Pennsylvania State University. Read source

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9. The Photobiology of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye. The Journal of Ophthalmology. Read source

10. Free Radicals and Extrinsic Skin Aging. Dermatology Research and Practice. Read source

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12. Lutein and Zeaxanthin. National Library of Medicine. Read source

13. Lutein Supplementation. Nutrition. Read source

14. Carotenoids. National Library of Medicine. Read source

15. Lutein & Zeaxanthin. American Optometric Association. Read source

16. Lutein. WebMD. Read source

17. Lutein & Zeaxanthin Concentration in Fruits & Vegetables. American Macular Degeneration Foundation. Read source

18. Healthy Aging Includes Healthy Vision. CDC. Read source