Researchers call for establishment of dietary reference intake for lutein

21 Nov 2017 --- Establishing a recommended dietary reference intake (DRI) value for lutein is “critically important” for advancing and improving public health, assert the authors of a new paper published online in the European Journal of Nutrition. “Lutein is ready to be considered for intake recommendations,” note the authors of the carotenoid found in egg yolks, colorful fruits and vegetables, and dietary supplements.

Lutein has gained attention from the nutrition research community for its potential role in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye issues. For example, it has been suggested that savings of €6.20 billion (US$7.33 billion) a year could be generated through the daily consumption of 10mg of lutein in combination with 2mg of zeaxanthin by adults aged 50 and older in the EU who are suffering from AMD.

“AMD is the leading cause of age-related blindness in industrialized countries,” says Jim Griffiths, Ph.D., Vice President, Scientific & International Affairs, Council for Responsible Nutrition International (CRN-I), and one of the paper’s six coauthors.

“Establishing intake guidelines for lutein could encourage the consumption of lutein-containing foods and subsequently decrease the risk of age-related visual degradation and improve overall visual health,” Griffiths continues. “We hope policymakers and stakeholders take note of the strong research supporting the benefits of lutein and move forward with setting a DRI.”

Lutein satisfies criteria for recommendations
In the paper, the authors cite a previously-developed set of nine criteria used to determine whether a bioactive is ready to be considered for DRI-like recommendations, and illustrate the ways in which lutein satisfies each.

These criteria include: 1) an accepted definition; 2) a reliable analysis method; 3) a food database with known amounts of the bioactive; 4) cohort studies; 5) clinical trials on metabolic processes; 6) clinical trials for dose-response and efficacy; 7) safety data; 8) systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses; and 9) a plausible biological rationale.

Based on the careful review of the literature supporting the criteria, the authors conclude that lutein should join the roster of those nutrients that already have DRI recommendations.

“Establishing a DRI recommendation for lutein would provide the public with yet another reason to eat more of the colorful fruits and vegetables lacking in our diets,” explain the coauthors. “Many consumers purchase products containing lutein […] but they may not be aware of the science that supports its role in health or know the appropriate intake level.”

The paper emanates from the poster “Extending the DRIs to Bioactives: Is Lutein Ready for the Major Leagues?” which was presented at the 18th International Carotenoids Society Symposium held in Lucerne, Switzerland earlier this year.