Carlson Labs Lutein + Kale 15 mg 180 Capsules

Carlson Labs Lutein + Kale 15 mg helps to promote and maintain healthy vision. Lutein is a carotenoid found in a variety of plants, especially kale. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found within tissues surrounding the macula of the eye - an area vital to sharp vision. Carlson provides lutein, with naturally occurring zeaxanthin, in a base of 260 mg of Kale.

Lutein, a pigment, is a vital component of our retina. It helps protect the retina from the effects of UV light and free radicals. Lutein can be found naturally in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, squash, red grapes, oranges, kiwi and mangoes.

Zeaxanthin, another pigment, works closely with lutein to help protect the macula area of the retina from the effects of UV light and free radicals. Zeaxanthin may also help to maintain lens clarity. Yellow corn, honeydew melon, squash, oranges, mango, kale, apricots, peaches and orange bell peppers are dietary sources of zeaxanthin.

Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Robert Abel:

Can I get enough nutrients from my diet to benefit my eye health?
A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is the best way to obtain a broad spectrum of nutrients. But because I also live in the real world, I know that isn't always possible. We skip meals, lead stressful lives, and eat on the run, none of which is helpful to either digestion or the absorption of nutrients. It's also very difficult to acquire from diet alone the quantities of specific vitamins and nutrients shown to be beneficial to eye health. Therefore, in my opinion, it's often necessary to supplement the diet with vitamins, minerals and other nutritional substances in an intelligently designed program.

What is the best way to support and protect my vision?
A good way to protect vision is to regularly wear sunglasses, even on cloudy days. A good way to support vision is to supplement your diet with a good eye formula, such as Able Eyes, which supplies substantial amount  of DHA and lutein and other nutrients to promote eye health. Macular Pigment Density is associated with healthy retinas. Both DHA and Lutein together have been found to increase macular pigment density greater than either of these nutrients alone.

I have heard a lot about lutein lately. What is lutein and why is it good for me?
Lutein is an essential member of the carotenoid family of nutrients derived from plants. It is essential because the human body does not produce it and we must rely on our food supply for it. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in and around the macula. It acts primarily in two ways: to filter light to protect the eyes from the effects of the sun and as an antioxidant to protect the eyes from the effects of free radicals and aging. Lutein is the most abundant carotenoid in all ocular tissues. Most people think that carrots with beta-carotene are most important to vision, but actually lutein found in spinach is critical for the protection of macular function. Perhaps “Popeye” knew better than “Bugs Bunny!”

Is there anything I can do to improve my night vision?
As we age, many of us notice a change in night vision adaptation. Some researchers say we lose 10% of our rate of dark adaptation every decade. There are three key principles behind my recommendations to support night vision. One is to strengthen cell membranes, two is to improve circulation to the eye and, finally, three is to protect the eye from damage caused by free radicals. The five key supplements for night vision are DHA, vitamin A, lutein, bilberry and zinc.

How can I support the health of my retina?
The retina is the layer that lines the inside of the eye. The macula, which resides in the center of the retina, is responsible for our most detailed vision. To protect these delicate instruments, you can follow my general suggestions I have listed above to support overall eye health. In addition, because the macula is so responsive to free-radical-fighting antioxidant nutrients, nutrition is a big key to helping promote retinal health. Make sure that you eat plenty of lutein rich vegetables such as spinach and kale, or take a lutein supplement daily at mealtime. Also be sure to supply your body with the other nutrients you need such as DHA from fish oils and bioflavonoids from citrus.

Dr. Robert Abel is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Jefferson Medical College. He performed his ophthalmology training at the Mount Sinai Medical Center and a cornea transplant fellowship at the University of Florida. Dr. Abel co-founded the alternative medicine curriculum at Thomas Jefferson University, where he is a clinical professor of ophthalmology. He has helped found eye banks, holds patents on artificial corneas, and has received the Senior Honor award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Abel is a nationally known teacher of both conventional eye therapy and newer alternative methods.

Carlson Laboratories began with one vitamin E formula. Since then, the line has grown to become the most complete line of natural vitamin E products in the world. Carlson Laboratories product range has expanded through the years to meet the nutritional needs of Carlson customers. Carlson laboratories product line now include award-winning Norwegian fish oils, a full line of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, special formulations and nutritional supplements.