Abstract
Less than 20 of the hundreds of carotenoids found in nature are found in the human
body. These carotenoids are present in the body from the foods or dietary supplements
that humans consume. The body does not synthesize them. Among the carotenoids present
in the body, only lutein and its coexistent isomer, zeaxanthin, are found in that
portion of the eye where light is focused by the lens, namely, the macula lutea. Numerous
studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin may provide significant protection against
the potential damage caused by light striking this portion of the retina. In the eye,
lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to filter high-energy wavelengths of visible
light and act as antioxidants to protect against the formation of reactive oxygen
species and subsequent free radicals. Human studies have demonstrated that lutein
and zeaxanthin are present in the skin, and animal studies have provided evidence
of significant efficacy against light-induced skin damage, especially the ultraviolet
wavelengths. Little was known about the protective effects of these carotenoids in
human skin until recently. This article reviews the scientific literature pertaining
to the effects that lutein and zeaxanthin exhibit in the human eye and skin.
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