What is lutein ?

Lutein (also known as xanthophyll) is one of a large group of over 600 compounds known as the carotenoid pigments.. These pigments give yellow, green or orange colouration to vegetables and fruits and they are precursors for Vitamin A. Lutein is naturally found in several plants including some flowers (eg marigolds), red peppers, kale, mustard and spinach. It is also found in egg yolk. 

In the eye lutein is found in the macula which lies in front of the cones in the retina, where it is believed to act as a yellow filter. Dietary lutein is thought to be an essential micronutrient for normal vision, and being fat-soluble deficiency may occur if fat digestion and absorption is impaired. Lutein supplementation may be beneficial in the management of macular degeneration which leads to a loss of central vision and colour vision.