Cardiovascular Health Frequently Asked Questions

• Can lutein help promote good cardiovascular health?
• How does lutein promote cardiovascular health?

Can lutein help promote good cardiovascular health?

The cardio-protective role of carotenoids stems from the finding in epidemiological studies that persons with higher intakes of fruits and vegetables are at a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke 26,27. Mediterranean populations have the lowest mortality rate from coronary heart disease in Europe 28. When foods common to the Mediterranean diet were analyzed for carotenoid content, high levels of lutein were detected and correlated well with the relatively high serum levels of lutein found in Greek people 29. The authors of this study theorize this may contribute to the lower mortality rate from coronary heart disease exhibited by this group.

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How does lutein promote cardiovascular health?

The exact mechanism of lutein’s suggested ability to protect against cardiovascular disease is unknown at this time; however, three studies (collectively known as The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study 19) published by Dr. James Dwyer at the University of Southern California suggest that the protective effect of lutein is at least partially due to an antioxidant mechanism.** First, Dr. Dwyer's research indicated that as plasma lutein concentration increased, carotid artery intima-media thickness decreased in women and men. Carotid artery intima-media thickness has been strongly associated with the risk of both coronary heart disease and stroke.  Next, he incubated endothelial and smooth muscle cells from human aortas with lutein and found a significant inhibition of the inflammatory response of monocytes to LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) trapped in the artery wall.  Finally, Dr. Dwyer's research found that in mice known to develop severe atherosclerotic lesions, lutein supplementation significantly reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch.** In addition, lutein significantly reduced markers of oxidative stress and plasma VLDL+IDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein + Intermediate Density Lipoprotein) levels.**  These results suggest that there may be a positive effect of lutein on the progression of early atherosclerosis.**

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** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.