Protect Eye Damage with Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Help protect your eyes from damage and significantly lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts with a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.

Individuals in an eye disease case control study who ate high amounts of these antioxidants had a much lower risk for AMD. Recent studies show that high intakes of lutein can lower the risk of developing AMD by 40%-65%.

Lutein, acts as a filter and protects the structure of the eyes, including cataracts, from the sun's UV light. A diet that includes lutein and zeaxanthin can lower the risk of developing cataracts by 20%-50%. Research suggests daily consumption of between 6 mg to 15 mg of each of these nutrients to keep your eyes protected and in good shape.

If you're consuming the servings of fruit and vegetables a day, as recommended by the Canada Food Guide, you're most likely getting at least 6 mg of each of these antioxidants. In North America, most people eat far less than five servings and are only ingesting about 2 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin a day.

You'll find these great eye nutrients in dark green leafy vegetables such as chard, kale, spinach and turnip greens. They're also found in other colourful fruits such as corn, peppers, squash, oranges, and beans. If you're not getting enough of these great nutrients from your diet, then add a Lutein or Zeaxanthin supplement to help prevent the development of macular degeneration.