Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Ankara Medipol University, 06050, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey.
Curr Nutr Rep. 2024 Dec;13(4):828-844. doi: 10.1007/s13668-024-00579-z. Epub 2024 Sep 21.
In this review, the chemical properties, nutritional sources, absorption mechanisms, metabolism, biosynthesis and promising health-related benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin were emphasized and some recommendations for the future studies are suggested.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are phytochemical compounds in the carotenoid group and are synthesised only by plants. All mammals get lutein and zeaxanthin into their bodies by consuming plant-based foods. Especially leafy green vegetables, broccoli, pumpkin, cabbage, spinach and egg yolk are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin have potential health effects by preventing free radical formation, exhibiting protective properties against oxidative damage and reducing oxidative stress. These compounds have neuroprotective, cardioprotective, ophthalmological, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-osteoporosis, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial effects. The preventive properties of lutein and zeaxanthin against numerous diseases have attracted attention recently. Further clinical trials with large samples are needed to make generalisations in the prevention and treatment of diseases and to determine the appropriate doses and forms of lutein and zeaxanthin.
在这篇综述中，重点强调了叶黄素和玉米黄质的化学性质、营养来源、吸收机制、代谢、生物合成以及与健康相关的潜在益处，并对未来的研究提出了一些建议。
叶黄素和玉米黄质是类胡萝卜素组中的植物化学化合物，只能由植物合成。所有哺乳动物都是通过食用植物性食物来获取体内的叶黄素和玉米黄质。特别是绿叶蔬菜、西兰花、南瓜、白菜、菠菜和蛋黄富含叶黄素和玉米黄质。叶黄素和玉米黄质通过预防自由基形成、表现出对氧化损伤的保护特性和降低氧化应激，具有潜在的健康影响。这些化合物具有神经保护、心脏保护、眼科、抗氧化、抗炎、抗癌、抗骨质疏松、抗糖尿病、抗肥胖和抗菌作用。叶黄素和玉米黄质对许多疾病的预防作用最近引起了人们的关注。需要进行更多的大型样本临床试验，以便在疾病的预防和治疗中做出概括，并确定叶黄素和玉米黄质的适当剂量和形式。
