Lutein Complex Increases Blood Flow to the Eye
To clearly focus the images we see, nerve cells in the retina of the eye need a constant supply of blood delivering oxygen and nutrients. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health conditions can reduce retinal blood flow, impairing vision. In this study, 16 healthy women took a placebo or a combination of 10 mg of lutein, 500 mg of vitamin C, 364 mg of vitamin E tocopherols, 2.5 mg of carnosic acid rosemary extract, 2 mg of zeaxanthin, and 2 mg of copper per day, for three weeks. Pausing for three weeks, the women then switched groups. Compared to the placebo phases, the lutein phases showed significantly greater retinal capillary blood flow, and reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which declined an average 4.06 and 3.69 mmHg, respectively.
Reference: Circulation Research; 2020, Vol. 126, No. 5, 589-99
