Lutein and Zeaxanthin can protect against Vision Loss

Declining eyesight is something just about everyone has to deal with when one gets older. 

One problematic cause of vision loss is macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age sixty and the number one cause of blindness in the United States.

In the previous study, researchers found that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper could reduce the risk of developing late-stage age-related macular degeneration by 25%.

Now, new research from the National Eye Institute indicates that lutein and zeaxanthin, which are the major antioxidant components of the macular pigment, may provide valuable protection against late-stage age-related macular degeneration. In fact, lutein and zeaxanthin may provide even more effective protection against late-stage age-related macular degeneration than beta-carotene.

Fruits and vegetables are the main sources for lutein and zeaxanthin. For example, raw Kale contains 39551 mcg Lutein and Zeaxanthin.  Spinach (frozen, chopped or leaf, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt) contains 15691 mcg Lutein and Zeaxanthin while Dandelion (greens and raw) 13609 mcg of them.

In addition, egg yolk and maize (corn) contain the highest mole percentage (% of total) of lutein and zeaxanthin (more than 85% of the total carotenoids).

Maize is the vegetable with the highest quantity of lutein (60% of total) and orange pepper is the vegetable with the highest amount of zeaxanthin (37% of total).

Substantial amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin (30-50%) are also present in kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini (or vegetable marrow) and in different kinds of squash.