Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the lens and are thought to protect cells in the eye against oxidative damage and consequently present formation of cataracts.
Lutein and zeaxanthin may protect the cardiovascular system and maintain normal cell differentiation in the tissues of the breast, cervix, colon and skin.
Lutein is a common carotenoid found in most fruit and vegetables, while zeaxanthin in the (R,R)-isomer form is present only in minute quantities in most fruits and vegetables.
Among commonly consumed vegetables and fruits, dark green leafy vegetables are the most important sources of lutein.
Dietary sources of zeaxanthin are limited to greens, certain yellow/orange fruit and vegetables such as corn, nectarine, oranges, papaya, persimmon and squash. Red peppers are good sources of zeaxanthin although it represents less than 15% of total carotenoid content.
Sea buckthorn, a berry fruit native to Asia also contains high amount of zeaxanthin representing 82 to 86% of the total of main carotenoid in some cultivars of this berry.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin in fruit and vegetable
