Lutein Benifit and side effect? Does this nutrient help improve vision and visual acuity?

Lutein is a carotenoid, not a vitamin, which has become popular as a dietary supplement either by itself, or combined with zeaxanthin and other carotenoids, herbs, and vitamins for the prevention and improvement of visual disorders such as macular degeneration or to help support healthy eyesight. Humans consume 1 to 3 mg lutein per day and the lutein:zeaxanthin ratio in the diet is about 5:1.These xanthophylls form the macular pigment with the highest density in the macula lutea. In humans, as in plants, this xanthophyll is believed to function in two important ways: first as a filter of high energy blue light, and second as an antioxidant that quenches and scavenges photo induced reactive oxygen species.

Benefit for eyesight health, better vision

The benefit of these two carotenoids is to absorb light in the blue-green region of the visible spectrum. In humans their roles are to improve visual function and to act as antioxidants in order to protect the macula from damage by oxidative stress. Of the many carotenoids circulating in human sera, only lutein and zeaxanthin are accumulated throughout the tissues of the eye. Within the eye, they reach their highest concentration in the central retina, where vision is at its sharpest.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids widely distributed in tissues and are the principal carotenoids in the eye lens and macular region of the retina. Epidemiologic studies indicating an inverse relationship between xanthophyll intake or status and both cataract and age-related macular degeneration su ggest these compounds can play a protective role in the eye.

Bilberry: A Long History of Vision Support

Bilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus) is a European berry shrub very similar to the blueberry or huckleberry found in the United States. Like many herbal supplements, the use of bilberry goes back centuries, with medicinal usage recorded as early as the beginning of the 16th century.

Bilberry’s modern usage began in earnest during World War II. The story is that British and US pilots began eating bilberries as part of their diet. They soon discovered a marked improvement in their night vision as they flew missions over Europe.

Rich in Flavonoids That Support Eye Health

Extensive research has identified the specific vital substances in bilberry and verified their benefits for the eyes and circulatory system. Bilberry is high in a substance called flavonoids, chemically known as polyphenols. Bilberry’s flavonoids are anthocyanosides that enhance microcirculation throughout the body.

Research has shown this effect to be particularly noticeable in the delicate blood vessels supplying the retina of the eye. The retina is where the major functions of vision occur.

Why You Should Supplement Bilberry

As a supplement, bilberry plays an important role in improving and maintaining eye health. Bilberry is a common treatment for many varieties of retinopathy, a disorder in which the intricate blood vessels and nerves of the retina are damaged. In France, bilberries have been prescribed since 1945 for diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness in diabetics.

Numerous studies have documented bilberry’s usefulness as a medicinal herb. One study concluded that bilberry extract used in conjunction with vitamin E prevented the progression of cataracts in 48 of 50 patients suffering from cataracts.

Bilberry has been used in support for glaucoma, macular degeneration, eye fatigue, poor night vision, and nearsightedness.