Billions Could Be Saved On Healthcare By Lutein And Zeaxanthin

In the United States, people age 55 and older have a 2.8% chance of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a 33% chance of developing cataracts. Because the population of the US is currently aging, those percentages will result in significantly triple the number of individuals with vision impairment and blindness over the next 15 years.

A recent study suggests, however, that taking supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin may significantly reduce the number of individuals developing these eye problems and cut $7.4 billion in health care costs between now and the year 2020.

After examining the data, the researchers first determined that lutein and zeaxanthin are indeed effective ways to combat both AMD and cataracts. They then calculated that AMD could be reduced by 23% (115,000 fewer incidents) and cataracts could be reduced by 15.3% (7,659,000 fewer incidents) if people took 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin daily.

Researchers from the firm Frost & Sullivan conducted the study. The firm released their findings on September 24, 2013.

Lutein is one of only two carotenoids that can build macular pigment. The other is zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin create the yellow pigmentation of the macula, which is the part of the eye that provides protection from damaging blue light. If the yellow macular pigment is too thin, blue light can penetrate the retina and cause long term damage.

You can increase your lutein levels and zeaxanthin by consuming more green vegetables, corn, and egg yolk.