Lutein in chronic diseases: A mini review

Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid that can be found in a divergency of fruits and plants. Its main action is to protect eye health and vision. Its antioxidant properties play a crucial role in eye agitations, in decreasing inflammation, in protecting the neural tissues from chemical analyzed hypoxia and cell apoptosis. Lutein supplementation in associa- tion with low-calorie diet had a notable abatement in fat-free mass, visceral fat and serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol. Lutein may also have a natural anti-cancer effect. This is because foods rich in lutein have antioxidant activity and oppose inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of this mini-review was to provide an up-to-date overview of the main effects of lutein in health and disease.