Update: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Research

Jan 9, 2010
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An upcoming issue of Vision Research is highlighting Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) research. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that increased consumption of certain nutrients, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin, augments levels of these molecules in the macula, subsequently improving visual function and reducing the risk for certain age-related eye diseases.

Macular Pigment Optical Density. The ability to measure lutein and zeaxanthin levels in the macula is of great importance to enhance research, to provide a methodology to assess eye health and offer responsive, appropriate clinical care. Traditional laboratory methods used to measure lutein and zeaxanthin, namely high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), cannot be used on living eyes, so a surrogate optical indicator of xanthophyll levels in the eye is often employed: macular pigment optical density (MPOD). MPOD is a measurement of the attenuation of blue light by macular pigment and is linearly related to the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula.

Clinical Support
  • Over two dozen studies have been published demonstrating an increase in macular carotenoids following lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation of 2-30 mg per day or a high carotenoid diet1-26.
  • The body of evidence from eight epidemiological studies provides support from an observational perspective that consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin from food is associated with reduced risk for AMD27-33.
  • The anatomical location of macular carotenoids is ideal for them to act as an optical filter. Consistent with this, improvements in visual function and comfort parameters have been associated with lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and subsequent increases in MPOD in close to a dozen published studies34-38,17,39,14,40-43.
  • A growing body of evidence suggests a relationship between levels of macular pigment and risk of age-related eye diseases, although a direct link has not been established. Risk factors for AMD including tobacco use, light iris color, age, obesity, and gender are associated with low levels of MPOD. Additionally, five studies have shown that in eyes that have been afflicted with AMD (examined post-mortem) or eyes that have been deemed to have a higher risk for AMD (due to AMD in the fellow eye) tend to have lower MPOD than healthy eyes or eyes that are deemed to be at lower risk to AMD44-47,4.
Based up these findings there is considerable interest in incorporating methods to measure the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula to enhance research and clinical care to identify individuals at risk for visual loss from AMD.

Expert Review of the Value of MPOD Measurement
An article in an upcoming issue of Vision Research reviews the findings from a panel of experts with extensive experience in carotenoid physiology and/or macular pigment measurement48. This panel reached a consensus on the value of noninvasive macular pigment measurement as a screening tool for AMD risk based on a review of the literature and their clinical experience. The following conclusions were reached:48

  • "The current body of knowledge regarding macular lutein and zeaxanthin and their roles in protection against age-related eye diseases support the hypothesis that AMD is in part a manifestation of an ocular deficiency of these molecules and that higher macular levels may protect against AMD."

  • "Macular pigment measurement has the potential to become a commonly tested biomarker to measure risk for eye disease and visual function."
  • Approximately, 43% of the U.S. population have what the panel considers to be "low MPOD" -- a central MPOD below 0.2 d.u.49
  • "More clinical studies are necessary to more accurately define the range of MPOD values and distributions that might correlate with disease risk; however, the body of evidence that supports a link between a lack of macular pigment and AMD risk is growing."
  • "Expansion of the scientific data and improvements in methodology and equipment necessary to measure MPOD levels in a diverse population will hopefully bring about a paradigm shift in way we recognize, diagnose, and treat those at risk for AMD and other age-related eye diseases."
Macular pigment measurement would enable individuals with low levels of MPOD, and possibly greater risk for eye disease, to take actions to improve their eye health such as increasing their intake of lutein and zeaxanthin through diet and/or supplementation, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. 48

Review additional MPOD consensus panel conclusions in Vision Research.




References

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18. Rodriguez-Carmona, M., J. Kvansakul, J. A. Harlow, W. Kopcke, W. Schalch, and J. L. Barbur. "The Effects of Supplementation with Lutein and/or Zeaxanthin on Human Macular Pigment Density and Colour Vision." Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 26, no. 2 (2006): 137-47.
19. Schalch, W., W. Cohn, F. M. Barker, W. Kopcke, J. Mellerio, A. C. Bird, A. G. Robson, F. F. Fitzke, and F. J. van Kuijk. "Xanthophyll Accumulation in the Human Retina During Supplementation with Lutein or Zeaxanthin - the Luxea (Lutein Xanthophyll Eye Accumulation) Study." Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 458, no. 2 (2007): 128-35.
20. Schweitzer, D., G.E. Lang, B. Beuermann, H. Remsch, M. Hammer, E. Thamm, C.W. Spraul, and G.K. Lang. "Objektive Bestimmung Der Optischen Dichte Von Xanthophyll Nach Supplementation Von Lutein." Ophtalmologe 99 (2002): 270-75.
21. Stringham, James M., and B. Hammond. "Macular Pigment and Visual Performance under Glare Conditions." Optometry & Vision Science 85, no. 2 (2008): 82-88.
22. Trieschmann, M., S. Beatty, J. M. Nolan, H. W. Hense, B. Heimes, U. Austermann, M. Fobker, and D. Pauleikhoff. "Changes in Macular Pigment Optical Density and Serum Concentrations of Its Constituent Carotenoids Following Supplemental Lutein and Zeaxanthin: The Luna Study." Experimental eye research 84, no. 4 (2007): 718-28.
23. Wenzel, A. J., C. Gerweck, D. Barbato, R. J. Nicolosi, G. J. Handelman, and J. Curran-Celentano. "A 12-Wk Egg Intervention Increases Serum Zeaxanthin and Macular Pigment Optical Density in Women." J Nutr 136, no. 10 (2006): 2568-73.
24. Wenzel, A. J., J. P. Sheehan, C. Gerweck, J. M. Stringham, K. Fuld, and J. Curran-Celentano. "Macular Pigment Optical Density at Four Retinal Loci During 120 Days of Lutein Supplementation." Ophthalmic & physiological optics 27, no. 4 (2007): 329-35.
25. Zeimer, M., H. W. Hense, B. Heimes, U. Austermann, M. Fobker, and D. Pauleikhoff. "[the Macular Pigment: Short- and Intermediate-Term Changes of Macular Pigment Optical Density Following Supplementation with Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Co-Antioxidants. The Luna Study]." Ophthalmologe 106, no. 1 (2009): 29-36.
26. Vishwanathan, R., E. F. Goodrow-Kotyla, B. R. Wooten, T. A. Wilson, and R. J. Nicolosi. "Consumption of 2 and 4 Egg Yolks/D for 5 Wk Increases Macular Pigment Concentrations in Older Adults with Low Macular Pigment Taking Cholesterol-Lowering Statins." Am J Clin Nutr (2009).
27. Moeller, S. M., N. Parekh, L. Tinker, C. Ritenbaugh, B. Blodi, R. B. Wallace, and J. A. Mares. "Associations between Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (Careds): Ancillary Study of the Women's Health Initiative." Arch Ophthalmol 124, no. 8 (2006): 1151-62.
28. The Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group. "Antioxidant Status and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration." Arch Ophthalmol 111, no. 1 (1993): 104-9.
29. Delcourt, C., I. Carriere, M. Delage, P. Barberger-Gateau, and W. Schalch. "Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Other Carotenoids as Modifiable Risk Factors for Age-Related Maculopathy and Cataract: The Pola Study." Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 47, no. 6 (2006): 2329-35.
30. Gale, C. R., N. F. Hall, D. I. Phillips, and C. N. Martyn. "Lutein and Zeaxanthin Status and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration." Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 44, no. 6 (2003): 2461-5.
31. Snellen, E. L., A. L. Verbeek, G. W. Van Den Hoogen, J. R. Cruysberg, and C. B. Hoyng. "Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Its Relationship to Antioxidant Intake." Acta Ophthalmol Scand 80, no. 4 (2002): 368-71.
32. Tan, J. S., J. J. Wang, V. Flood, E. Rochtchina, W. Smith, and P. Mitchell. "Dietary Antioxidants and the Long-Term Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Blue Mountains Eye Study." Ophthalmology 115, no. 2 (2008): 334-41.
33. Vu, H. T., L. Robman, C. A. McCarty, H. R. Taylor, and A. Hodge. "Does Dietary Lutein and Zeaxanthin Increase the Risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration? The Melbourne Visual Impairment Project." Br J Ophthalmol 90, no. 3 (2006): 389-90.
34. Haegerstrom-Portnoy, G. "Short-Wavelength-Sensitive-Cone Sensitivity Loss with Aging: A Protective Role for Macular Pigment?" J Opt Soc Am A 5, no. 12 (1988): 2140-4.
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36. Weiter, J. J., F. Delori, and C. K. Dorey. "Central Sparing in Annular Macular Degeneration." Am J Ophthalmol 106, no. 3 (1988): 286-92.
37. Parisi, V., M. Tedeschi, G. Gallinaro, M. Varano, S. Saviano, and S. Piermarocchi. "Carotenoids and Antioxidants in Age-Related Maculopathy Italian Study: Multifocal Electroretinogram Modifications after 1 Year." Ophthalmology 115, no. 2 (2008): 324-33 e2.
38. Richer, S. "Armd--Pilot (Case Series) Environmental Intervention Data." J Am Optom Assoc 70, no. 1 (1999): 24-36.
39. Massacesi, A. L., R. Faletra, F. Gerosa, G. Staurenghi, and N. Orzales. "The Effect of Oral Supplementation of Macular Carotenoids ( Lutein and Zeaxanthin) on the Prevention of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A 18 Month Follow up Study (Abstract)." IOVS 42, no. 4 (2001): S234.
40. Bahrami, H., M. Melia, and G. Dagnelie. "Lutein Supplementation in Retinitis Pigmentosa: Pc-Based Vision Assessment in a Randomized Double-Masked Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial [Nct00029289]." BMC Ophthalmol 6, no. 1 (2006): 23.
41. Cangemi, F. E. "Tozal Study: An Open Case Control Study of an Oral Antioxidant and Omega-3 Supplement for Dry Amd." BMC ophthalmology 7 (2007): 3.
42. Olmedilla, B., F. Granado, I. Blanco, and M. Vaquero. "Lutein, but Not Alpha-Tocopherol, Supplementation Improves Visual Function in Patients with Age-Related Cataracts: A 2-Y Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study." Nutrition 19, no. 1 (2003): 21-4.
43. Wenzel, A. J., K. Fuld, J. M. Stringham, and J. Curran-Celentano. "Macular Pigment Optical Density and Photophobia Light Threshold." Vision Res 46, no. 28 (2006): 4615-22.
44. Bone, R. A., J. T. Landrum, S. T. Mayne, C. M. Gomez, S. E. Tibor, and E. E. Twaroska. "Macular Pigment in Donor Eyes with and without Amd: A Case-Control Study." Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 42, no. 1 (2001): 235-40.
45. Beatty, S., I. J. Murray, D. B. Henson, D. Carden, H. Koh, and M. E. Boulton. "Macular Pigment and Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Subjects from a Northern European Population." Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 42, no. 2 (2001): 439-46.
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47. LaRowe, T. L., J. A. Mares, D. M. Snodderly, M. L. Klein, B. R. Wooten, and R. Chappell. "Macular Pigment Density and Age-Related Maculopathy in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study. An Ancillary Study of the Women's Health Initiative." Ophthalmology 115, no. 5 (2008): 876-83 e1.
48. Bernstein, P. S., F. C. Delori, S. Richer, F. J. van Kuijk, and A. J. Wenzel. "The Value of Measurement of Macular Carotenoid Pigment Optical Densities and Distributions in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Other Retinal Disorders." Vision Res (2009).
49. Wooten, B. R., and B. R. Hammond. "Macular Pigment: Influences on Visual Acuity and Visibility." Prog Retin Eye Res 21, no. 2 (2002): 225-40.



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Diane E. Alexander, Ph.D. is a Technical Service Manger at Kemin Health, LC. She received her Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis from the Washington University School of Medicine.
 
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I have been recommending Lutein and Zeaxanthin to my patients for years. They are the only carotenoids that actually protect the ever-so-delicate macula.

Please keep in mind that not all lutein supplements are created equally. I personally recommend Flora-glo lutein, as it is derived from the marigold flower.

Like most things, if it's found in nature, it is better for us than something made in a lab.
 
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Is this an ad for Flora-Glo lutein or cross-marketing for the MPOD devices on the market?
 
Kemin Health is a science-based company - our goal is to present the entire body of scientific research regarding lutein and eye health to professionals in the eye care industry. We understand there is confusion in the marketplace regarding ocular supplements, and we want to educate doctors about the lutein quality differences in supplements and that all lutein is not created equal and easily absorbed by the body. Kemin Health was the first company to commercialize lutein over 15 years ago, and we have made it our mission to educate doctors and consumers about the benefits of lutein for eye health.

Kemin Health has partnered with leading eye care associations to make resources available for doctors to make it easier to start conversations about ocular nutrition with your patients. Included in this initiative is a CE program that we sponsor called:
Reducing the Risk of Age-Related Vision Loss: Macular Pigment and Healthy Vision.

ODwire.org is just one of the many ocular nutrition education initiatives of Kemin Health. We are presenting the science about macular pigment optical density (MPOD) because it is a new, emerging technology in the industry. Additionally, there are a large number of ongoing clinical trials that are evaluating the impact of lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation upon MPOD, and it likely the results of these studies are going to be at the forefront of research presented at scientific meetings. We are not cross-promoting for any particular MPOD device. There are multiple methods to test MPOD and each have their our advantages and disadvantages.
 
Diane -

I apologize for my comment. I think I'm becoming a cynical old man.

In my mind, Flora-Glo Lutein from Kemin is the GOLD STANDARD in lutein supplements. I wish the good folks at Kemin would market their own, branded lutein/zeaxanthin supplement. When I make a recommendation for a stand-alone lutein supplement, I have no idea of the quality/bioavailability of the product the patient is purchasing at the pharmacy/big-box store.

I know that Flora-Glo lutein is in the Preservision/AREDS products from Bausch & Lomb. What other companies are using your product?
 
Kent,

No worries :) We have considered manufacturing our own supplements, but that is not our expertise.

There is a list of other companies that include FloraGLO Lutein in their supplements. You can click on the link below, which will take you to a brochure we have developed listing all the supplements that contain 6 mg or more of FloraGLO Lutein. If you would like brochures for your practice, just send me an email (diane.alexander@kemin.com) and we will send you some free of charge

http://www.floraglolutein.com/KHMKTC-022-000042_English_Eye_Doc_Brochure.pdf

Thanks your support of the brand.

Diane
 
Lutein Brochure

I give out this brochure DAILY. (I have no financial interests). I have found that handing something to the patient after showing them there digital fundus photos and explaining the importance of lutein is very helpful. I then show them that many brands are available. For that, the brochure helps them "connect the dots" and then actually follow through with a purchase. (We do not sell lutein in office at this time).

Kudos to the company for providing these brochures to proactive eye docs who want to help their patients reduce their risk AMD.
 
Lutein options

Kent,

I use Macula Complete from Biosyntrx. They use Kemin's product and include ALL the nutrient co-factors that support a healthy retina. This is unlike some "focused" products that just offer a few ingredients.

They also support the Ocular Nutrition Society (formerly the Optometric Nutrition Society) as sponsors....which is always a good thing!!

Jeff
(President of ONS!)

Diane -

I apologize for my comment. I think I'm becoming a cynical old man.

In my mind, Flora-Glo Lutein from Kemin is the GOLD STANDARD in lutein supplements. I wish the good folks at Kemin would market their own, branded lutein/zeaxanthin supplement. When I make a recommendation for a stand-alone lutein supplement, I have no idea of the quality/bioavailability of the product the patient is purchasing at the pharmacy/big-box store.

I know that Flora-Glo lutein is in the Preservision/AREDS products from Bausch & Lomb. What other companies are using your product?
 
Kent,

I use Macula Complete from Biosyntrx. They use Kemin's product and include ALL the nutrient co-factors that support a healthy retina. This is unlike some "focused" products that just offer a few ingredients.

They also support the Ocular Nutrition Society (formerly the Optometric Nutrition Society) as sponsors....which is always a good thing!!

Jeff
(President of ONS!)

Do you have a link for this? Also a link for ONS would be cool:D
 
Lutein options

The ONS has chairside brochures also, which we sell at cost to our members. They discuss the overall importance of good nutrition (including supplements) to eye health. The Kemin brochures are well done too.

We've been talking to Kemin about joining us as sponsors of the ONS, because our missions are very much in line with each other.

Eventually, we hope!
Jeff
 
Diane or Jeff,

There are differences in opinion as to the adequate daily dosage of lutein. What seems to be the consensus .... 6, 10, or 20 mg./day?

Kent
 
Lutein options

Kent,
Well, I honestly don't think there is a magic number out there. Most of the studies originally suggested 6mg, then it went to 10, then 16, now some are 20. There are several factors which may dictate what "magic number" you might want to target.
Genetic factors- are the susceptible to AMD?
Diet- still into junk food and few dark, leafy green veggies?
Weight- over??
Lifestyle- smoker?
Other supplements- taking zeaxanthin?

AREDs II is using 10 mg along with 2 of zeaxanthin. Some formulations go up to 4mg of Z (max. that they can use due to proprietary patents).

Also, are you testing your patients with either the Quantifeye or Macuscope units to get a subjective rating on their MPOD? That would help you decide if you need to supplement at all too.

With all that said, you might consider going with 16 or 20mg (amounts as high as 200mg have been tested with no negative side effects).

Hope that helps- imagine how much more you'd have available to you if you renewed your ONS membership!!! ;-)

Jeff
 
Can the brochures be sent outside the US, or will H&S apply?

We can ship them outside the US but they will not have a list of the supplements that contain FloraGLO. The supplements that we list are only found in the US and Canada, so we would send brochures without the supplement list. Also, keep in mind the brochures are only available in English and Spanish.

If you are interested in receiving some brochures, just send me an email at diane.alexander@kemin.com.

Thanks for your interest!
 
Today most clinical studies are using 10 mg of lutein. There are also numerous product on the market containing 20 and even 40 mg. However, it is very important to understand that all lutein is not the same. FloraGLO contains purified, crystalline lutein also known as free lutein. Lutein can also be found as a lutein ester. Lutein esters have one or two fatty acid chains attached via an ester bond to the two hydroxyl groups on the lutein molecule.
  • Free lutein is directly absorbed by the body.
  • Lutein esters must be deesterifed by enzymatic reactions in order to be absorbed in the body. The rate at which this conversion occurs is unknown.
  • Thus, it is not possible to estimate the bioavailability of lutein esters as the rate of conversion of lutein esters to free lutein is not known.
If a product contains lutein esters, it should be indicated on the label. Thus, it is important check the label to make sure that the product specifically states lutein (not lutein esters) to ensure that you are getting a quality lutein ingredient brand that is easily absorbed by the body. Look for FloraGLO in the ingredient list since it is the lutein ingredient brand used in the majority of clinical studies worldwide.
 
Diane, that link to the pdf doesn't work. If you're still around do you have another webpage where I can find it?

Jamie

Kent,

No worries :) We have considered manufacturing our own supplements, but that is not our expertise.

There is a list of other companies that include FloraGLO Lutein in their supplements. You can click on the link below, which will take you to a brochure we have developed listing all the supplements that contain 6 mg or more of FloraGLO Lutein. If you would like brochures for your practice, just send me an email (diane.alexander@kemin.com) and we will send you some free of charge

http://www.floraglolutein.com/KHMKTC-022-000042_English_Eye_Doc_Brochure.pdf

Thanks your support of the brand.

Diane
 
Thanks! It looks like the brand list stops at G so is there a 3rd page?

I was looking at another product but don't know if it has free lutein or esterized. It's Macuhealth. I was told who the lab was but haven't called to find out. Anyone know which lutein is in Macuhealth?

And while I've got your attention, I read that Meso-Z competes with regular Z but haven't seen the study on that. This study says it may raise mac density..http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1872023/

Can anyone refer me to a study that shows those are competitive molecules?

Jamie
 
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Dr. Jordan,

There is another page on that link, you just have to scroll down.

Great question on the MZ. MacuHealth actually uses an ingredient called LMZ3 not FloraGLO Lutein. LMZ3 contains lutein, zeaxanthin and another substance called meso-zeaxanthin. A few points on MZ and #4 addresses your question on competition:

1. MZ is not found naturally in the diet. Unlike dietary zeaxanthin and lutein which are abundant in our diets although not so abundantly consumed, MZ is not found in any conventional dietary source.

2. Zeaxanthin and lutein are vital nutrients that the body naturally deposits in the macula from dietary sources. Although MZ is also found in macular pigment, research has demonstrated that it is a result of the body’s natural conversion of lutein to meso-zexanthin in the macula.

3. There is no established body of “level one” evidence to support the efficacy of meso-zeaxanthin. To date, there has been no research on the eye health benefits of using supplemental meso-zeaxanthin alone in the absence of dietary zeaxanthin and lutein. This makes it hard to attribute any study effect to meso-zeaxanthin alone.

4. Supplemental MZ may complete with dietary zeaxanthin and lutein absorption, inhibiting their uptake in the macula as levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the blood are lower when a supplement included MZ as compared to supplementation with the same dose of lutein and zexanthin alone. Connolly, E. E., et al. (2010) Augmentation of macular pigment following supplementation with all three macular carotenoids: an exploratory study, Curr Eye Res 35, 335-351. Meagher, K. A., et al. (2013) Serum response to supplemental macular carotenoids in subjects with and without age-related macular degeneration, Br J Nutr 110, 289-300. Thurnham, D. I., et al. (2008) A supplementation study in human subjects with a combination of meso-zeaxanthin, (3R,3’R)-zeaxanthin and (3R,3’R,6’R)-lutein, Br J Nutr 100, 1307-1314.

5. MZ is not dietary zeaxanthin and not a suitable replacement for either dietary zeaxanthin or lutein.

I've also attached a summary of the issues with meso-zeaxanthin studies and references.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Kind regards,
Diane
 

Attachments

  • KHTL-017-109 Supplemental Meso-Zeaxanthin-Not What Nature Intended.pdf
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  • MZ 1-Pager_3-04-14_HR FINAL.pdf
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Diane, I only get 2 pages no matter how hard I scroll :)

Jamie
 
ah ha!

Dr. Jordan,

I have attached the brochure to this post. The first page lists companies G-V and the second page lists companies A-G. It is set up this way because it is supposed to be folded into a 4-panel brochure.

Let me know if this helps and if you need anything else.

Kind regards,
DianeView attachment 4613
 
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Diane, your brochure is all about Lutein. Does your company also produce zeaxanthin?

Jamie
 
And Diane, I read this..."Lutein supplements are available in soft-gel capsule form. They should be taken at mealtime because lutein is absorbed better when ingested with a small amount of fat such as olive oil. The recommended dosage is 6 mg to 30 mg daily" from https://www.macular.org/lutein

Is that accurate?

Also, is lutein better or worse in a powder form?

Jamie
 
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