Lutein and its potential benefits for eyes, brain and skin
What it found
Lutein may help with eye diseases, brain conditions, heart problems, skin irritation and bone loss.
It is found naturally in green leafy vegetables and eggs.
What they found
Studies in people and animals
Eye health benefits
Lutein showed promise against eye diseases. Recent studies also looked at tiny particle forms of lutein to improve eye conditions.
Brain and nerve effects
Lutein was assessed as a nutritional substance that may help with neurological disorders.
Heart, skin and bones
Research was gathered on lutein and heart complications, skin irritation and bone decay.
Fighting infections
Lutein was also looked at for its possible role against microbial infections.
Other findings
Interactions and dosing
Lutein can interact with beta-carotene when both are taken. The authors also looked at safety concerns and how much to take.
Where lutein comes from
Lutein is a carotenoid found in green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, spinach, lettuce and peas, as well as in eggs. The authors described how it is built step by step in nature.
What the authors conclude
- They suggest lutein offers promising benefits for many health issues, including eye diseases and brain conditions.
- They note that tiny particle forms of lutein may be especially useful for improving eye disorders.
- They point out that lutein could be used more widely in functional foods designed to support health.
How it was done
Carotenoids in food are thought to lower disease risk, but little work had gathered all the known effects of lutein together. The authors wanted to bring that information into one place.
The authors gathered existing research on lutein from foods like kale, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, peas and eggs. They looked at how it is made, how much to take, and possible interactions with other nutrients. They did not run new experiments themselves.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This work gathers past research rather than testing lutein directly, so it cannot prove cause and effect on its own.
- Studies done in cells or animals cannot always show what will happen in people who eat lutein in food.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- University of Dhaka, Bangladesh; University of Swabi, Pakistan; International Islamic University Chittagong, Bangladesh
The paper
- Title
- Potential health benefits of carotenoid lutein: An updated review
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Studies in people · animals · lab
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Mitra S, Rauf A, Tareq AM, et al (2021). Potential health benefits of carotenoid lutein: An updated review. Food and chemical toxicology. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112328PubMed 34111488DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error