Lutein Research Paper

Lutein in vegetables prevents eye diseases and colon cancer

Ng Ka Wing

Abstract: Lutein is a member of carotenoids often found in green leafy vegetables and is known as its antioxidant activity. In this review article, the roles of lutein in preventing Age-related macular degeneration and colon cancer were investigated by summarising literature and articles related to the mechanisms. Lutein prevents the formation of blue-light induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in eye by absorbing blue light and reducing the oxidative stress. It increases the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes which help scavenge ROS in colon and reducing the formation of colonic tumour. Lutein is found have better absorption rate consuming with protein and lipid. However,

Discussion

Lutein is well-known for its antioxidant function. However, research studies indicate that lutein is only exhibit significant antioxidant activity under certain conditions. The potential negative effects of lutein on health should also be marked.

Potential negative impacts of lutein

On the other hand, some reports show that lutein may serve as a pro-oxidant under certain condition in vitro. Under a range of lower oxygen concentration, it acts as an antioxidant inhibiting ROS. However, lutein, under higher oxygen pressure or at its high concentration, may start an auto-oxidation process, its radical could react with oxygen to produce a carotenoid peroxyl radical and induce lipid peroxides. (Kim, Seo & Kim, 2011) More oxidative products are predicted to be formed at a high concentration of lutein when ROS is present. (Young & Lowe, 2001)

Rahu et al. (2005) investigated the effect of high and low dose of lutein on colon carcinogenesis in rats. The result (Figure 5) showed that a low dose(100ppm) of lutein inhibited the formation of colonic ACF while a high dose(200ppm) of lutein increased the formation of larger ACF and total number of ACF.

(Harikumar et al.,