Lutein is a carotenoid types. There are more than 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids.
Carotenoids are responsible for the various colors that we see in plants, algae, fungi, and some bacteria.
Carotenoids are found in humans, animals, fish and birds, through the plant is eaten.
Carotenoids can be divided into two groups; xanthophylls and carotenes. Zeaxanthin and lutein are examples of xanthophylls.
Being beta-carotene and lycopene are examples of carotene. Xanthophylls molecules containing oxygen, while carotene did not.
To date, no serious side effects of lutein are known.
Only one minor side effects that are known, namely that turns skin become darker (copper colored). In extreme cases, the skin may be colored orange.
All carotenoids including lutein has antioxidant in the human body. Antioxidants are important for neutralizing free radicals in the body.
Antioxidants can damage cell membranes and DNA strands. This damage can cause DNA degeneration, which can lead to cancer or cell death.
Other hazards, when fatty acids in the blood stream is oxidized by free radical molecules, this combination can form plaque and clog the artery wall.
Thus, free radicals not only cause cancer, but also heart disease.
In particular, lutein can prevent macular degeneration and prevent blindness.
Lutein is one of the two carotenoids found in the retina of the eye. The other is zeaxanthin.
Knowing how important lutein is mainly for vision, and finding no harmful side effects, there is no reason to worry when you have to take supplements containing lutein.
