Lutein, Antioxidants May Protect Skin as Well as The Eyes

Lutein In the Eye's Macula

Readers of this newsletter know that lutein and its structural look-alike, zeaxanthin, are the yellow-orange carotenoids found in spinach, kale and collards. These antioxidants are concentrated in the lens and macula of the eye where they help protect against damage from ultraviolet (UV) light. Researchers have found that levels of these carotenoids in the macula decline with age, reaching an especially low level after age 60, just when the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) rises dramatically (1). In fact, AMD patients who took lutein supplements for at least 3 months after their diagnosis of AMD had lutein levels that were nearly the same as healthy controls.

The Eyes and Skin Are Both Exposed to UV

Since lutein filters potentially damaging UV light in the eye's macula, scientists theorize that lutein plays a similar protective role in the skin. It's been reported that dietary carotenoids accumulate in the skin and offer a measurable photo-protective benefit that's directly linked to their concentration in skin (2). Additionally, preliminary studies suggest that combinations of high dose vitamins C and E or vitamin E and carotenoids confer greater protection against UV-induced sunburn and inflammation than do individual nutrients (3,4). A new study lends further support for carotenoids and antioxidants in skin and eye health (5).

Skin Protective Antioxidants

This double-blind study was carried out for 2 months in 50 healthy people who were smokers (10 per day) and who had mildly dry skin. One group received 2 capsules daily of a moderate dose supplement containing 3 mg lutein, 45 mg vitamin C, 5 mg vitamin E and 2.5 mg alpha lipoic acid. A second group took 2 daily capsules of a high dose supplement with 15 mg carotenoids (e.g. beta-carotene, lycopene without lutein), higher C (60 mg) and E (30 mg) and bioflavonoids (10 mg). A third group served as controls. Everyone got sunscreen (SPF 20), and ate the same balanced diet. Subjects used the same amount of sunscreen and were exposed to an equal amount of UV energy daily.

The moderate dose lutein + antioxidant supplement was just as efficient as the higher dose, "no lutein" supplement in significantly hydrating skin and lowering oxidative stress in blood - a surrogate measure for the effects of UV on the skin. Macular pigment density also increased, but only in the group getting lutein.

The Causes of Aging Skin

Everyone gets expression lines, thin wrinkles, and sagging skin as they grow older, which is largely determined by genetics. Yet the main reason skin looks older, wrinkled, rough, or speckled with dark spots is not age itself, but sun exposure. Over-exposure to sunlight causes reddening and inflammation, and reduces the number of dermal blood vessels that supply nutrients to the skin. Sunlight also damages proteins that are important for maintaining skin tone. Exposure to air pollutants in addition to UV radiation also generates free radicals and damages skin cells. These effects are collectively known as "photo-aging".

Keep Skin as Healthy as Possible

While you can't change the genetic hand you're dealt, there are positive actions you can take to slow photo-aging and support skin health:

• Protect your skin from the sun (via sunscreens and protective clothing)
• Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water
• Minimize stress and get sufficient sleep
• Avoid excess alcohol and don't smoke
• Eat a healthy diet to support new skin cell formation

More research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of lutein and antioxidants to our skin and eyes. However, we all need to consume more fruits and vegetables, especially lutein-rich greens. Since Americans only eat about 1-2 mg lutein daily, it's also a good idea to take a daily "multi" to achieve a higher intake of lutein and other important antioxidants.

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