Lutein for Cellulite

Lutein is known for it's eye health benefits, but lutein may also be beneficial for skin hydration and help to reduce the appearance of cellulite under the skin.

History

• Lutein is a natural antioxidant carotenoid found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and broccoli. While lutein is present in some human tissues such as the eyes, breasts and skin, lutein is not made by the human body so must be ingested in food or nutritional supplements.

Study

• In 2006 a study by Dr. Pierfrancesco Morganti, "indicated that lutein and its associated molecule zeaxanthin, when taken daily as a 10 mg oral lutein supplement, increased skin hydration by 38 percent, skin elasticity by 8 percent and the level of superficial lipids present in the skin by 33 percent after adjustments for placebo. Results also showed that lutein decreased oxidation of those beneficial lipids by 55 percent after adjustment for placebo." The study also showed that when lutein was administered both orally and topically skin hydration increased to 60 percent while also increasing oxidation of lipids or fats by 64 percent. This hydration of the skin and oxidation of skin lipids is what reduces the cellulite under the skin.

Dosage

• The Lutein Information Bureau website states that lutein supplements should be taken in doses of 10 milligrams per day orally. Look for products that contain purified lutein as opposed to lutein esters. Lutein esters can be harder for the body to digest and be less effective. Taking lutein with zeaxanthin will increase the absorption of the lutein.