[Search] [Home] [About Us] [Why Bio-Center?] [Lab tests] [Order Test Kits] [Frequently Asked Questions] [Contact Us]

Vitamins

Vitamins

Lutein
  • Turn-around time = 5 to 7 days.
  • Specimen is 1.0 mL of serum, light protected.

Lutein is a carotenoid found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, and in corn and other various vegetables. Egg yokes are also a source of lutein. Lutein is a strong antioxidant that helps filter high-energy, blue wavelengths from the visible-light spectrum. Lutein concentrates in the macula portion of the retina, helping to prevent age-related macular degeneration. It also is in the lens and helps prevent cataracts. It helps to protect the skin from free-radicals produced from UV rays. Most Americans do not get enough lutein in their diet. Research has shown that 6 to 20 mg of lutein a day are needed to obtain health benefits. It also stimulates the immune system.

The test may be ordered as part of the profile listed above. The method is by HPLC as described for the lipid vitamin profile described above.

The accepted normal value established in our laboratory is: 7 to 28 ug/dL.

Selected References:

  1. Khachik, F, et al. Identification of lutein and zeaxanthin oxidation products in human and monkey retinas. Invest Opthalmol. 1997, 38(9): 1802-1811.
  2. Snodderly, D. Evidence for protection against age-related macular degeneration by carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1995, 62:1448-1461.
  3. Le Marchant, I., et al. Intake of specific carotenoids and lung cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiology. 1993, 2:183-187.

Back to Vitamin Home Page

[Search] [Home] [About Us] [Why Bio-Center?] [Lab tests] [Order Test Kits] [FAQ] [Contact Us]
Back To Bio-Center Lab

This website is managed by The Center For The Improvement Of Human Functioning International
A Non-profit Medical, Research and Educational Organization
3100 North Hillside Avenue, Wichita, KS 67219 USA
Phone: 316-682-3100; Fax: 316-682-5054
© (CIHFI) 2008

This website and all contents are Copyright: 1997/2008 CIHFI - All Rights Reserved.