Published research noted that lutein is found in the brain, suggesting that this antioxidant may have beneficial effects on cognition. STORY AT-A-GLANCE Of all the known carotenoids, only lutein and zeaxanthin cross the blood-retina barrier to form macular pigment.
Lutein is also found in the brain, hinting at its importance for cognitive function.
Lutein, found in green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, and more, helps form the retinal macular pigment, which is responsible for optimizing your visual performance and serves as a biomarker for the risk of macular diseases.
Lutein is protective against age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases.
Among young and older adults, lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improves cognitive function. While there are about 850 known carotenoids, most are not found in the human body[1] and only lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin cross the blood-retina barrier to form macular pigment.[2] Your retina is an extension of your brain,[3] where lutein also accumulates throughout the human lifespan, hinting at its importance for both vision and cognitive function….