FloraGLO Lutein
Also known as: Lutein, FloraGLO Lutein, xanthophyll carotenoid
Overview
Lutein is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid found abundantly in green leafy vegetables and marigold flowers. FloraGLO Lutein is a branded, purified, unesterified form derived primarily from marigold petals, recognized for its high purity and bioavailability. It is primarily used as a dietary supplement ingredient to support eye health, particularly in the prevention and management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and for improving visual function. Lutein accumulates in the macula of the eye, where it acts as a blue light filter and a potent antioxidant, protecting retinal cells from oxidative damage. Research on lutein for ocular health is extensive, with moderate to strong evidence from numerous randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses supporting its role in increasing macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and enhancing visual performance.
Benefits
Lutein, especially in the FloraGLO form, offers several evidence-based benefits for ocular health. Its primary effect is a significant increase in Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD), a crucial biomarker for macular health and protection against AMD progression. Clinical trials consistently demonstrate that FloraGLO Lutein supplementation leads to improvements in visual performance metrics, including contrast sensitivity and visual acuity, particularly in individuals with AMD. Meta-analyses further indicate that lutein, often combined with zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids, can slow AMD progression and improve electrophysiological measures of retinal function, such as multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) responses. These benefits are most pronounced in older adults with early or intermediate AMD. Secondary benefits include its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to overall ocular protection. Effect sizes for mfERG improvements have been reported as moderate to large (SMD 2.09 to 6.24), with benefits typically observed within 3 months to 2 years of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Lutein primarily functions by accumulating in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Within the macula, lutein acts as a natural filter for harmful blue light, preventing it from reaching and damaging the delicate photoreceptor cells. Concurrently, lutein serves as a powerful antioxidant, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neutralizing free radicals generated by light exposure and metabolic processes. This dual action protects retinal cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key contributors to the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). FloraGLO Lutein, being unesterified, exhibits higher bioavailability, meaning it is more readily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to esterified forms or lutein from food sources, allowing for efficient transport and deposition in the macular pigment.
Side effects
FloraGLO Lutein is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and has an excellent safety profile, with no serious adverse effects reported in numerous clinical trials. At recommended dosages, it is well-tolerated. Mild and rare side effects may include minor gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no known significant drug interactions with lutein. No specific contraindications have been established for its use. It is considered safe for special populations, including elderly AMD patients, and is even used in infant formulas at levels consistent with those found in breast milk. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 2 mg/kg body weight/day, which is significantly higher than typical supplemental doses, further underscoring its safety.
Dosage
For supporting eye health and managing AMD, a common and effective dosage of lutein is 10 mg per day. This is often combined with 2 mg of zeaxanthin, as these two carotenoids work synergistically in the macula. Clinical studies demonstrating efficacy typically use this 10 mg lutein/2 mg zeaxanthin combination. FloraGLO Lutein is an unesterified, crystalline form, which contributes to its high bioavailability. Absorption is enhanced when taken with dietary fat, so it is often recommended to take supplements with a meal. While 10 mg/day is a standard effective dose, the maximum safe dose, as per JECFA, is approximately 140 mg/day for a 70 kg adult (2 mg/kg body weight/day), which is well above typical supplemental intakes. Consistent daily oral supplementation is recommended for optimal benefits, with effects typically observed after 3 months to 2 years of use.
FAQs
Is FloraGLO Lutein effective for AMD?
Yes, it significantly increases macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and improves visual function, such as contrast sensitivity, in individuals with AMD.
Is FloraGLO Lutein safe to take?
Yes, it is generally recognized as safe with minimal side effects, primarily mild gastrointestinal discomfort, at recommended dosages.
How long does it take to see benefits from FloraGLO Lutein?
Benefits on MPOD and visual function are typically observed after 3 months to 2 years of consistent daily supplementation.
Can FloraGLO Lutein be taken with other supplements?
Yes, it is often combined with zeaxanthin and other antioxidants like vitamins C and E for synergistic effects on eye health.
Is FloraGLO Lutein better than lutein from food sources?
FloraGLO Lutein, being an unesterified form, has higher bioavailability and is more readily absorbed by the body compared to lutein found in many food sources.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9610847/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Csader et al. (2022) evaluated the effects of lutein and lutein plus zeaxanthin supplementation on AMD and retinal function. It found significant improvements in retinal electrophysiology (mfERG) with moderate to large effect sizes, supporting lutein's role in AMD management, despite high heterogeneity among studies.
- https://atm.amegroups.org/article/view/91173/html – Liu et al. (2022) conducted a meta-analysis of 9 studies, including RCTs, focusing on blood lutein levels and MPOD in AMD patients. The study concluded that lutein supplementation significantly increased MPOD and was associated with improved visual outcomes over periods ranging from 3 months to 2 years, highlighting its efficacy.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/macular-zeaxanthins-and-lutein-a-review-of-dietary-sources-and-bioavailability-and-some-relationships-with-macular-pigment-optical-density-and-agerelated-macular-disease/6E38297230327FE8108E398DD8570EF0 – Thurnham (2007) reviewed dietary sources, bioavailability, and the relationship between lutein, MPOD, and AMD risk. The review emphasized that supplemental lutein, such as FloraGLO, demonstrates higher bioavailability compared to lutein from mixed vegetables, underscoring the importance of supplement form for ocular health benefits.
- https://info.kemin.com/hubfs/KH/FloraGLO_Whitepaper.pdf – This whitepaper provides an overview of FloraGLO Lutein, detailing its definition, primary uses, key characteristics, and the extensive research supporting its role in ocular health. It highlights FloraGLO's high purity, bioavailability, and its effectiveness in increasing MPOD and improving visual function in AMD patients, often in combination with zeaxanthin.
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Lutein%20Petition.pdf – This document, likely a petition or regulatory filing, discusses the safety and usage of lutein, including its presence in infant formulas. It supports the safety profile of lutein, noting its use at low doses consistent with breast milk lutein levels, and contributes to the understanding of its broader applications and safety considerations.
