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Click to Enlarge Unit Weight: 1500 grams Unit Volume: 2580 cc Click to Enlarge Certificate of Analysis Click to Enlarge Volumetric Equivalents

What is Lutein?

Lutein (from the Latin "luteus", meaning "yellow") is a powerful antioxidant and a member of the carotenoid family, a group that also includes beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. Lutein is a xanthophyll, like its sister compound zeaxanthin, which is a type of carotenoid found in high concentrations in dark-green, leafy vegetables and in egg yolks. Like other well-known carotenoids alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein is a potent antioxidant that is responsible for the red, orange or yellow color of many food products (although it may be masked by the green chlorophyll in some vegetables). However, unlike alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein cannot be changed by the body to vitamin A.

Lutein's primary use as a supplement is to protect the retina (sensitive part of the inner eye) from damage by the sun. Lutein helps shield your eyes and skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage; its yellow color blocks blue (UV) light from being absorbed. The macula in the retina contains a lot of lutein, which not only provides the eyes with protection from sunlight’s UV rays, but also effectively decreases the risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is a major cause of blindness in the elderly. In 2004, the Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial (LAST) study demonstrated that lutein supplementation can help reverse symptoms of macular degeneration. In this study, the elderly were provided with lutein supplements to determine if their vision would improve. Supplementation with lutein significantly improved symptoms of AMD in the subjects.

Aside from protecting the skin from UV damage, Lutein also protects the body as well from free-radical damage. Studies have also shown that lutein helps treat inflammation and redness in the skin, and may even aid in preventing skin cancer. Aside from the eyes and skin, large deposits of lutein can also be found in the breast and cervix. In line with this, studies indicate that lutein and other carotenoids may have protective benefits against breast cancer risk. Lutein may also be beneficial in preventing or slowing down atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to clog which usually ends up as a cardiovascular disease.

Although Lutein is not considered as absolutely essential to maintain good health (which is why it doesn’t have an established Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA), many researchers have good reason to believe that diet rich in carotenoids plays a major role in preventing numerous ailments, including heart disease, strokes, as well as lung, stomach, and cervix cancers. Since Lutein cannot be synthesized by the body, the only way to take advantage of lutein's antioxidant benefits is by consuming it and deriving it from dietary sources. All dark-green, leafy vegetables are good sources of lutein, especially kale, turnip greens, collard greens, spinach and egg yolks. It is also present in fruits and vegetables that have red, orange, or yellow pigments, such as tomatoes, carrots, corn, and squash. Consuming any of these will also provide you with added antioxidant protection and health benefits, as they are generally high in other carotenoids as well. It is important to keep in mind that grilling or lightly steaming vegetables high in carotenoids actually improves the body’s ability to absorb them. At times it‘s not practical to try and consume enough lutein in your daily diet, as you would be required to eat a large bowl of spinach to get just about 6 milligrams of lutein for example. In case you cannot receive enough lutein from your regular diet, supplementation is generally recommended.

What is Lutein used for and who uses it?

Lutein is a powerful antioxidant and when taken as a nutritional supplement, it can help support and maintain vision health and function, and may also help to prevent age related macular degeneration. Numerous clinical and research studies have found Lutein present in a concentrated area of the macula, the small area of the retina where central vision occurs. Scientists and researchers have since theorized that these high concentrations of Lutein, and Lutein's antioxidant interactions, can help the cells of the macula repair damage caused by oxidative stress from high energy light. Lutein filters out the blue wavelengths of light that derive from the visible-light spectrum, as much as up to 80%. This can be likened to the otherwise popular UV rays, but they are not the same. Filtering out blue light (in indoor light), as well as sunlight, is beneficial because of blue light’s ability to create oxidative stress and cause damage to open organs, such as the skin and the eyes.

As a very potent antioxidant, Lutein may have health benefits that extend to many other health related concerns besides vision. In a study published by the Journal of Clinical Nutrition in year 2000, researchers proved that men and women who had large amounts of Lutein in their diet were significantly less susceptible to develop colon cancer. Lutein’s primary benefit as a part of our diet stems from its antioxidant properties. It helps to neutralize and eliminate the free radicals located throughout the body. This is crucial due to the damage that free radicals, like ultraviolet rays and cigarette smoke, can cause. Free radicals are also the usual suspects in a wide variety of chronic diseases. By functioning as an antioxidant, Lutein can potentially help protect not just our eyes but our other organs as well from damage caused by unstable atoms known as free radicals, which can interact with and break down healthy tissue.

Similarly, a research study by Cambridge University in year 1996 found that individuals with a high dietary intake of Lutein were significantly less vulnerable to develop cardiovascular disease. Lutein makes this possible by preventing or slowing down atherosclerosis, the thickening of arteries, which is a major risk for cardiovascular disease. Lutein and zeaxanthin inhibit lipid peroxidation, a likely factor in the etiology of both retinal and cardiovascular disease. Research has found lutein and zeaxanthin can inhibit thickening of the walls of carotid arteries and LDL-induced migration of monocytes to human artery cell walls. These are potential mechanisms for lutein's protective effect in cardiovascular disease.

Although lutein has been extensively investigated for its potential role in guarding against age-related macular degeneration, some earlier studies also have shown that a daily lutein supplement may increase the skin's natural antioxidant system and protect against damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Professor Pierfrancesco Morganti, professor of applied cosmetic dermatology at the University of Naples, Italy, explained that either oral or topical lutein improves skin hydration, elasticity and lipid content. Any healthy adult may benefit from taking lutein. In addition, those that are exposed to a more than usual amount of free radicals (particularly sunlight) may benefit from taking lutein. Older adults can also benefit from taking lutein, as lutein helps fight macular degeneration which those over 65 are more prone and likely to being diagnosed with.

How pure is your Lutein?

This Lutein PE 5% is the Powdered Extract from Tagetes erecta (flowers) and assayed to be 5.01% Lutein by the manufacturer. This is an ultra pure bulk powder extraction with no fillers, additives or anti-caking agents added. The process involved to make this powdered extract involves the harvesting of the flowers from the Tagetes erecta plant and after drying and pulverizing the flowers a solvent (ethyl alcohol) is employed to dissolve the Lutein (a bright orange carotenoid plant pigment) as well as other fat soluble compounds present in these flowers. All particulate matter is then filtered from the solvent and discarded. The solvent is then removed with the remaining extracted precipitate (solids) becoming this powdered product, Lutein 5%, and the other 95% being collateral plant matter also extracted from these flowers. You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this bright orange colored pure bulk powder.

Lutein is an antioxidant that helps the eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, and basically the whole body perform as well as it should. But in order for you to get the positive benefits, you need to take the right lutein dosage. Research has indicated that at a minimum of 6 to 10 milligrams of lutein should be consumed per day. Since it‘s impracticable to try and consume enough lutein in your daily diet, supplementation is generally recommended. If all you want are the health benefits made possible with Lutein, buying this product in bulk is the best way to get there. Buying in bulk is also your best bet for saving money because for sure you’ll pay more at a local nutrition store. Bulk costs are cheaper in the long run and you will receive a great deal at or below wholesale prices for a high purity bulk quantity of this product.

What is the daily suggested dose of Lutein?

The commonly recommended therapeutic dose for Lutein typically varies from 5 to 30 milligrams per day. How much you should take will depend upon your individual needs. Many individuals report clearer vision within a week or two of beginning Lutein supplementation, but taking too much Lutein can cause excessive pigmentation of the macula and vision can become less acute (sharp). Most Lutein supplements, capsules or tablets, are formulated for a net Lutein of 5mg, 10mg or 20mg taken daily. However, your optimal Lutein dose may be more or less than any of these standardized amounts. Given that this Lutein PE 5% will net 5% Lutein for a given weight your dose for this powder should be approximately twenty times the net Lutein desired. If, for example, you wanted a Lutein dose of 20mg per day the amount of this 5% Lutein powder you would need would be approximately 400mg (400 milligrams). For a dose of 10mg net Lutein your daily dose would be 200mg (200 milligrams) Lutein PE 5%.

The most accurate way to measure your Lutein PE 5% dose would be to employ an accurate milligram weight scale and weigh your dose carefully. But to measure your dose by volume you may opt to use US Standardized measuring spoons. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Lutein here. Although using measuring spoons to approximate your dose may not be as accurate as a milligram weight scale, it can be accurate enough for most people who are experienced using standardized measure spoons that are most readily available from any kitchen supply store. For a net Lutein of 20mg you would take a level 1/8 teaspoon of this Lutein PE 5%. For a net dose of 10mg Lutein you would need to take about a level 1/16 teaspoon.

Potential side effects of Lutein

Lutein supplements can be taken safely, with only the possibility of minor side effects such as headaches. No other adverse side effects from lutein that have been reported. However, beware of overdosing it. Taking too much of any carotenoid is not a good thing because it can build up in the body and become harmful. Either way, you should consult with your physician before you take it. Lutein is able to function together well with zeaxanthin, another common antioxidant found in similar foods/supplements.

Lutein is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

NOW Lutein Esters, AO Force Anti Oxidant Force, Champion Vita-Vault, Country Life Lutein, Eight Ball Nutrition VitaEDGE SPORT, Irwin Naturals Vision Sharp Precision Eye Health, KAL Enhanced Energy, LifeTime Brite Eyes With Lutein, MDR AM/PM Fitness Tabs For Men, MDR AM/PM Fitness Tabs For Women, MDR Vital Factors, Natrol OcuSense, Nature's Science Super Vita-Man, NOW ADAM, NOW Ocu Support, Nutraceutics Vitrin, Olympian Labs Nutra-Vision, Optimum Opti-Men, Optimum Opti-Women, Optimum Super Antioxidants, Solaray Lutein Eyes Advanced, Syntrax Radox, Twinlab Daily One Caps, Twinlab OcuGuard Plus, Ultimate Nutrition Super Complete Formula

References & Further Research

An ideal ocular nutritional supplement?
The aim of this review is to identify those antioxidants most appropriate for inclusion in an ideal ocular nutritional supplement, suitable for those with a family history of glaucoma, cataract, or age-related macular disease, or lifestyle factors predisposing onset of these conditions, such as smoking, poor nutritional status, or high levels of sunlight exposure. It would also be suitable for those with early stages of age-related ocular disease. Overall data suggest vitamins C and E, and lutein / zeaxanthin should be included in the theoretically ideal ocular nutritional supplement.

Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of antioxidant and lutein supplement in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial)
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in aging Westem societies. The objective of the lutein antioxidant supplementation trial (LAST) is to determine whether nutritional supplementation with lutein or lutein together with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, improves visual function and symptoms in atrophic ARMD. In this study, visual function is improved with lutein supplement alone or lutein together with other nutrients.

Lutein for International Customers

We have the most economical shipping costs & labeling practices for International orders. You can see our shipping costs here. Also, please note, that anything in a 1.5kg package can be shipped within a single flat rate envelope, however our shopping cart mistakenly displays 2 envelopes. Go ahead and ship the order, and you will notice that it only charges you the cost of 1 anyway. Look at the shipping costs tab above to see for yourself how you can calculate these charges.

Buying Lutein Bulk or Wholesale

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