Knowing more about Lutein (pronounced as loo-teen)

Much emphasis has to be given to our eyes. Lutein has the ability to filter blue light that can produce lesions on the retina.Ultra-violet light and infrared light are generally absorbed by the corneas and lens.The lens in a child's eyes are relatively clear, thus allowing blue light to reach the retina.

Many studies have shown that only 20% of blue light reaches the back of the eye in 60-90-year-olds . In the newborns, the amount of light will increase to as much as 70% to 80%.

Lutein is from the Latin word ' lutea' which means yellow. It is one of the 600 naturally-occurring carotenoids and is found naturally in fruits such as Kiwifruits and vegetables.It is found in the retina of the eye as well as in the lens.

Our bodies cannot produce lutein on its own and we need a good diet of lutein-rich food.These includes

• Cekur manis (sauropus androgynus) : 100g has 29.913mcg of lutein
  
• Mengkudu ( morinda citrifolia)
• Wolfberry leaves (lycium Chinese)
• Drumstick leaves ( moringa oleifera )
• Spinach ( red and green ) : 100g has 4,175mcg of lutein
  
• Curry leaves
• Chickpeas
• Green gram bean
• Chinese mustard leaves
• Green chillies.

Egg yolks have high levels of lutein.Breast milk is a good source too.

If taken in excessive amounts, for example like 10,000mcg a day, the skin would turn yellowish in a week's time.These days, children are not eating vegetables and this means they are not getting enough lutein! Then the alternative would be to have lutein-rich milk powder.