title: Possible biologic mechanisms for a protective role of xanthophylls.
abstract: This contribution surveys the evidence linking the presence of the two xanthophylls, lutein and zeaxanthin, to a protective role in the macular region of the retina. Although the evidence is still associative in nature, it is biologically plausible, and may be resolved with additional intervention trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111-1837, USA. norman.krinsky@tufts.edu
authors.forename: Norman I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Krinsky
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000975:Antioxidants; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000502:physiology*; D008266:Macula Lutea; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000517:prevention & control; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D019207:beta Carotene; D014975:Lutein