Lutein

Lutein is a dietary xanthophyll carotenoid (C40H56O2) synthesized only by plants, accumulating naturally in foods such as spinach, kale, and egg yolks[5][3][2]. In plants, it modulates light energy and helps protect against photodamage during photosynthesis[5]. In humans, dietary lutein is absorbed preferentially into the macula lutea, where it may serve antioxidant and photoprotective functions, though its precise biological role in the retina remains unknown[5][3]. Lutein is isomeric with zeaxanthin, differing only in the placement of one double bond, and is chemically unstable to light and acid. It is widely used as a food colorant and as a supplement for supporting eye health, particularly in relation to age-related macular degeneration. Lutein is not a canonical drug target, receptor, or enzyme, but is itself a bioactive dietary molecule[3][5].

Other names

xanthophyllbo-xanE-161Bcarotenoic acidgamma luteinall-trans-lutein

Lutein acts as an antioxidant and photoprotectant, not as a receptor or enzymatic target[5][3].