Sources of Lutein
Lutein is antioxidant that you need for vision and eye health. It can reduce your chances of getting degenerative eye problems that prevent you from seeing. Lutein also helps you see better, as you get older. You find this nutrient in many foods.
Green Vegetables
You can get the lutein you need for good vision by eating leafy green vegetables. Orange, yellow and red vegetables also provide good lutein. These foods get their colors from carotenoids. Carotenoids are the color pigments in brightly colored and dark fruits and vegetables. Types of vegetables you can eat are:
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Peppers
- Squash
Fruits
Fruit is also a good source of lutein. Like vegetables, they have carotenoids. Red, yellow and orange fruits also contain other antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin E. They may also assist lutein with eye care. The best fruits sources are:
- Tomatoes
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Bananas
Supplements
If you choose to take vitamins, lutein supplements may help. It is possible to get lutein in a multivitamin but you can choose to take the supplement separately. Types of lutein supplements are:
- Puritan's Pride: This brand has over eight supplements with lutein. The products come in capsule form with strengths of 4 mg and up. Puritan's Pride are for people age 40 and over.
- Swanson Ultra Lutein: Brand comes in softgel. The product uses the lutein found in marigold extract. Strengths may vary but 20 mg is typically found in the available supplements.