Lutein – the less explored carotenoid

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Lutein – the less explored carotenoid
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Harsha Hirdyani and Mini Sheth


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Lutein – the less explored carotenoid

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20176-8671


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids predominantly found in dark-green leafy vegetables and egg yolks. They are vital in protecting eye health as they are concentrated in the eye lens and the macular region of the retina. Epidemiological studies have suggested that the intake of these carotenoids may significantly reduce the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Additionally, lutein may offer protective benefits against certain types of cancer and cardiovascular conditions, signifying its potential as both a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredient.

The Role of Lutein in Eye Health

One of the primary benefits of lutein is its protective role in eye health. It has been identified as an essential nutrient that helps filter harmful blue light and reduce oxidative damage to retinal cells, which is crucial in preventing ARMD and cataracts. Studies indicate that a higher dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin correlates with a lower risk of developing these conditions. Clinical trials have demonstrated that lutein supplementation can enhance macular pigment density, thereby improving visual sensitivity in individuals with ARMD. This emphasizes the importance of adequate lutein consumption in preserving vision as one ages.

Cancer Prevention and Antioxidant Properties

Lutein exhibits potential cancer-preventive properties due to its antioxidant capabilities. It may help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is a contributing factor to cancer development. Research has shown that a diet rich in carotenoids, including lutein, is associated with lower risks of cancers such as prostate, lung, and breast cancer. Observational studies and meta-analyses indicate a direct correlation between higher lutein intake and reduced cancer risk, underlining the importance of including lutein-rich foods in one’s diet for cancer prevention.

Cardiovascular Health Benefits

The inclusion of lutein in the diet may also be beneficial for cardiovascular health. It appears to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses in the body. Studies have shown that individuals with higher lutein concentrations in their blood have a decreased likelihood of experiencing acute myocardial infarction and other heart-related issues. Thus, lutein's role as an antioxidant extends beyond eye care to encompass a protective function against heart diseases.

Conclusion

In summary, lutein is a vital carotenoid with numerous health benefits, particularly regarding eye health, cancer prevention, and cardiovascular protection. Despite its recognized pharmaceutical applications, further emphasis on its potential as a nutraceutical in the food industry is warranted. Encouraging the consumption of lutein-rich foods, such as leafy greens and certain fruits, can promote overall health and reduce the risk of degenerative diseases, as highlighted by recent findings. As scientific inquiry continues, understanding the full extent of lutein's beneficial properties will be crucial for developing effective dietary recommendations and health interventions.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are lutein and zeaxanthin, and where are they found?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids primarily found in dark-green leafy vegetables and egg yolks. They are important for eye health and are widely distributed in human tissues, particularly in the retina.

How do lutein and zeaxanthin benefit eye health?

These carotenoids are believed to protect against age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataracts by filtering harmful blue light and reducing oxidative stress, thus preserving retinal health.

What other health benefits do lutein and zeaxanthin provide?

Emerging studies suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin may help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, diabetes, and improve skin health, thanks to their antioxidant properties.

What foods are high in lutein and zeaxanthin?

High sources include spinach, broccoli, peas, corn, egg yolks, marigold petals, and various fruits and vegetables that display yellow-to-orange colors due to their carotenoid content.

How can one enhance the bioavailability of lutein?

Consuming lutein-rich foods with fats, such as olive oil, can enhance its absorption. Cooking and processing foods may also improve the release of lutein from the cellular matrix.

Are there any known side effects or toxicity related to lutein intake?

No significant toxicities or adverse effects have been reported for lutein at doses up to 40 mg daily. However, it's better to obtain lutein from food sources rather than supplements.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Lutein – the less explored carotenoid”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The key term 'Study' refers to structured research investigations aimed at understanding various phenomena related to lutein, its effects, and its benefits on human health. Studies play a crucial role in revealing the biochemical properties of lutein, and its implications for diseases such as ARMD and cataracts, fostering scientific knowledge and informing dietary recommendations.

2) Disease:
'Disease' signifies any pathological condition that disrupts normal bodily functions. In the context of lutein research, it refers to conditions like age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and cardiovascular diseases, where lutein is explored for its potential role in prevention or management, highlighting its importance in public health.

3) Harsha (Harsa):
'Harsha' refers to Harsha Hirdyani, the lead author of the study on lutein. This name represents the collective effort of researchers and the contribution of the Department of Food and Nutrition at The MS University of Baroda, reaffirming the collaborative nature of scientific inquiries related to health and nutrition.

4) Food:
'Food' refers to substances consumed for nutritional support, particularly those rich in lutein. The article emphasizes the importance of dietary sources like leafy greens and egg yolks, highlighting how specific foods contribute significantly to lutein intake, which is crucial for maintaining eye health and preventing certain diseases.

5) Cancer:
'Cancer' describes a group of diseases characterized by unregulated cell growth. The relevance of this term in lutein research lies in its potential protective effects against various cancers, as the article references observational studies indicating that lutein-rich diets may lower the risk of certain types of cancer, implying dietary intervention possibilities.

6) Diet:
'Diet' refers to the habitual intake of food and drinks, which plays a pivotal role in health outcomes. The text discusses how a balanced diet rich in xanthophylls like lutein can influence ocular health and reduce disease risks. Dietary recommendations are essential for optimizing nutrient intake, particularly for vulnerable populations.

7) Activity:
'Activity' in this context refers to biochemical or physiological processes facilitated by lutein. It may include antioxidant activities and immune modulation. Understanding lutein's activity is critical for establishing its health benefits, particularly regarding its role in protecting cells and tissues from oxidative stress and inflammation.

8) Blood:
'Blood' signifies the fluid that circulates in the cardiovascular system, transporting nutrients, including carotenoids like lutein. The accumulation of lutein in the bloodstream is essential for its transport to various tissues, including the retina, highlighting the importance of dietary intake for maintaining adequate carotenoid levels for health.

9) Rich (Rch):
'Rich' is used to describe foods or nutrients that have high concentrations of beneficial compounds, such as lutein in certain vegetables and fruits. This term emphasizes the significance of incorporating nutrient-dense foods into the diet to enhance lutein intake, essential for eye health and disease prevention.

10) Suffering:
'Suffering' refers to the experience of pain or distress, often related to illness. In the context of lutein, it highlights the challenges faced by individuals with diseases like ARMD or cataracts. Acknowledging suffering encourages research into dietary improvements that can alleviate health burdens and enhance quality of life.

11) Species:
'Species' refers to different categories or types of organisms, including plants that produce lutein. Understanding the specific species that are high in lutein content is essential for dietary recommendations and agricultural practices aimed at improving human health through functional foods rich in carotenoids.

12) Table:
'Table' signifies a structured representation of data, such as the concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in various foods. Tables provide clear comparisons that facilitate understanding of nutrient availability in everyday diets and assist in making informed food choices for health benefits.

13) Beta:
'Beta' is relevant in the context of carotenoids, particularly when discussing compounds like beta-carotene and lutein. The term can also refer to the structural forms of these compounds, highlighting their importance in nutrition and the biochemistry of naturally occurring pigments essential for health.

14) Animal:
'Animal' refers to living organisms that can exhibit biological responses to nutrients like lutein. Research often involves animal models to understand the effects of lutein supplementation on health outcomes, particularly in exploring its antioxidant and protective roles against various diseases or conditions.

15) Post:
'Post' signifies the time frame after a specific event, often used to describe physiological conditions developing after dietary interventions. In studies, monitoring post-ingestion effects of lutein helps researchers assess its efficacy and assess its impacts on health over time.

16) Drug:
'Drug' signifies pharmaceutical substances used for treatment, representing the intersection of nutrition and pharmacology. Some studies explore how carotenoids like lutein interact with pharmaceuticals, influencing treatment outcomes, suggesting potential for dietary components to enhance therapeutic effects.

17) Performance:
'Performance' relates to the effectiveness or competency in terms of health outcomes. In lutein research, performance refers to cognitive or physical abilities potentially improved through dietary intake of lutein-rich foods, emphasizing the significance of nutrition in supporting overall human health.

18) Learning:
'Learning' refers to the cognitive process involving understanding and information retention. The text connects lutein to cognitive health, highlighting research suggesting that higher levels of lutein may enhance learning capabilities and memory, promoting the exploration of dietary interventions for cognitive improvements.

19) Relative:
'Relative' indicates a measure comparing quantities or characteristics. In the context of the article, it could refer to the relative concentrations of lutein compared to other carotenoids or the relationship between lutein intake and health status, underscoring its significance in dietary analysis and health research.

20) Pregnant:
'Pregnant' denotes the condition of carrying developing offspring, where proper nutrition is critical for fetal health. Understanding lutein's role can help develop dietary recommendations for pregnant women, ensuring they receive essential nutrients to support both their and their baby's health.

21) Gujarat:
'Gujarat' is a state in India known for its agricultural diversity, including nutrient-rich crops higher in lutein. The research context here highlights the geographic relevance of food sources available to populations, impacting dietary habits and consequently, public health outcomes like macular degeneration.

22) Mineral:
'Mineral' signifies inorganic elements essential for bodily functions, often studied alongside vitamins in nutrition. While the article focuses on carotenoids like lutein, understanding mineral interactions (including absorption and utilization) is vital for comprehensive dietary recommendations impacting ocular and general health.

23) Baroda:
'Baroda' refers to a city in Gujarat, India, where significant research in food and nutrition occurs. This city is a hub for academic studies analyzing the role of various nutrients, including lutein, in improving health outcomes, especially among local populations consuming a diverse diet.

24) Family:
'Family' can refer to a biological classification grouping species, or it can denote relationships within households. In the nutritional study context, understanding the interactions of different carotenoid compounds within the same family helps elucidate their combined health effects and dietary importance.

25) India:
'India' denotes a country with a rich agricultural heritage, providing diverse foods that are sources of lutein. The relevance of lutein research in the Indian context emphasizes the importance of dietary patterns influenced by local agriculture for public health and disease prevention.

26) Water:
'Water' is essential for life and is crucial for nutrient absorption, including carotenoids like lutein. The article highlights the role of hydration in assisting bodily functions vital to metabolic processes, further underscoring the importance of balanced nutrition for ocular and overall health.

27) Rice (Rce):
'Rice' is a staple food and significant source of carbohydrates in many diets, notably in Asia. While it may not directly provide lutein, the consumption of staple foods like rice alongside nutrient-dense vegetables can create balanced meals conducive to health and wellbeing.

28) Pur:
'Poor' often refers to inadequate nutritional status or living conditions. In the context of lutein research, this term highlights disparities in access to nutrient-rich foods, emphasizing the need for interventions aimed at vulnerable populations to improve health outcomes and prevent deficiencies.

29) Human body:
'Human body' describes the complex biological systems necessitating various nutrients, including carotenoids like lutein. Research focuses on how these nutrients contribute to overall health, emphasizing the interdependence of dietary choices and physiological health, particularly concerning eye health, immune function, and disease prevention.

30) Phytochemical:
'Phytochemical' refers to bioactive compounds in plants that can exert health benefits. Lutein is classified as a phytochemical, and understanding its antioxidant properties contributes to the development of functional foods and supplements designed to combat oxidative stress and related diseases.

31) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
'Accumulated' refers to the result of gradual collection of substances over time. In nutrition, this indicates how nutrients from regular dietary sources can build up within the body for effective functioning, particularly for antioxidants like lutein critical to preventing oxidative stress and maintaining health.

32) Inflammation:
'Inflammation' is a biological response that can affect health, often linked to chronic diseases. Research suggests that lutein's anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate risks associated with diseases like cardiovascular illnesses and certain cancers, making it significant in nutritional studies.

33) Agriculture:
'Agriculture' pertains to the cultivation of crops and livestock for food production. It is integral to the study of lutein-rich foods, as agricultural practices determine the availability and nutritional quality of crops, influencing dietary patterns and public health outcomes regarding nutrient intake.

34) Depression:
'Depression' refers to a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness. While primarily focused on lutein's physical health benefits, research suggests that improving nutrient intake may have positive effects on mental health outcomes, indicating a connection between diet and psychological wellbeing.

35) Science (Scientific):
'Scientific' denotes studies grounded in empirical research and methodologies. The article discussing lutein's benefits is rooted in scientific inquiry, emphasizing the importance of rigorous research in establishing the roles of nutrients in disease prevention and health promotion.

36) Blindness:
'Blindness' describes the loss of vision, often linked to conditions like age-related macular degeneration. The article emphasizes the protective role of lutein against visual impairments, advocating for dietary interventions to reduce the risks of blindness and enhance ocular health in populations.

37) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. The article mentions that lutein has no reported toxic effects even at high doses, reinforcing its safety as a dietary supplement and its role in promoting health without adverse consequences.

38) Medicine:
'Medicine' refers to the field dedicated to diagnosing and treating diseases. Research on lutein contributes to nutritional medicine, where dietary interventions are explored for their potential roles in managing health conditions and preventing diseases, enhancing the understanding of holistic approaches to health.

39) Entering:
'Entering' suggests the process of nutrients being absorbed into the body. In relation to lutein, this term emphasizes the significance of bioavailability, where effective entry into the bloodstream from dietary sources determines its potential health benefits, particularly for ocular health.

40) Falling:
'Falling' indicates a decline, relating to health or function. In the context of lutein research, it may refer to the risk of falling that elderly individuals face due to poor vision from eye diseases, showcasing the need for preventive interventions involving diet.

41) Account:
'Account' signifies to take into consideration or acknowledge. The article suggests that dietary sources and the significance of sufficient lutein intake should be accounted for in dietary practices to ensure optimal eye health and reduce risks associated with diseases.

42) Surface:
'Surface' refers to the outer layer of a substance or tissue. In relation to lutein, it may pertain to its protective effects on the retina's surface against oxidative damage, emphasizing its role in maintaining ocular health and preventing degenerative processes.

43) Purity:
'Purity' describes the quality of being free from contaminants or impurities. In the context of lutein, discussions on purity highlight the importance of refining extraction methods for carotenoids from natural sources, ensuring high-quality supplements that deliver effective health outcomes.

44) Nature:
'Nature' refers to the natural world and the inherent qualities of substances. The term connects to the biochemical properties of lutein, emphasizing its natural origins in plants and its potential health benefits as a part of a naturally derived diet.

45) Medium:
'Medium' indicates the environment or substance within which processes occur. In relation to lutein, this can refer to the various extraction mediums used when sourcing lutein from plants, crucial for maintaining its efficacy and retaining its beneficial properties.

46) Powder:
'Powder' pertains to a finely ground substance, often used in dietary supplements. The term underscores the relevance of lutein in powdered forms available in nutraceutical markets, highlighting technological advances that enhance the ease of dietary incorporation into various health regimens.

47) Field:
'Field' refers to a specific area of study or work. In the context of nutrition and health research, it represents the growing field of nutraceuticals where lutein is explored for its health effects, emphasizing its significance in dietary science and public health.

48) Labour (Labor):
'Labor' signifies effort or work involved in cultivation or research processes. In the context of lutein, it may reflect the agricultural and scientific labor necessary to study, extract, and promote lutein-rich foods, essential for understanding its benefits.

49) Miṇi (Mini):
'Mini' refers to Mini Sheth, the co-author mentioned in the study. This name represents the collaborative efforts in conducting research on lutein, highlighting the contributions of various experts in the field of nutrition and health sciences.

50) Bile:
'Bile' refers to the digestive fluid produced by the liver. It plays a role in emulsifying fats, aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids like lutein, highlighting the importance of digestion and nutrient bioavailability in nutritional health.

51) Silk:
'Silk' refers to the fibrous substance produced by silkworms, which has been studied for its carotenoid content, including lutein. This nuance reveals alternative sources of lutein that can be extracted from non-traditional food matrices, expanding the potential for nutritional supplements.

52) Wall:
'Wall' may indicate cellular structures that contain lutein or nutrients. In this context, it underscores the significance of cellular membranes in nutrient absorption processes, highlighting interactions that affect how lutein and other compounds exert their health benefits.

53) Milk:
'Milk' represents a significant dietary source, often highlighted for its nutritional profile. The connection to lutein arises from discussions on dietary sources that may enhance the intake of carotenoids alongside other essential nutrients, showcasing the importance of complete nutrition.

54) Life:
'Life' denotes the biological condition of living organisms. The text implies that lutein contributes to enhancing the quality of life, particularly through its roles in preventing diseases and maintaining health, thereby emphasizing the importance of dietary interventions for longer, healthier lives.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Lutein – the less explored carotenoid’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Antioxidant properties, Oxidative stress, Cardiovascular disease, Neuroprotective properties, Immunomodulatory effect, Oxidative damage, Nutritional supplement, Skin health, Saturated fatty acids, Dietary habit, Chemical structure, Nutraceutical, Observational studies, Age-related cataract, Cholesterol lowering medications, Age related macular degeneration (ARMD), Pharmaceutical application, Nutritional modulation.

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