lutein

[ loo-tee-in ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. Also called xanthophyll. a yellow-red, water-insoluble, crystalline, carotenoid alcohol, C 40 H 56 O 2 , found in the petals of marigold and certain other flowers, egg yolk, algae, and corpora lutea: used chiefly in the biochemical study of the carotenoids.
2. a preparation consisting of dried and powdered corpora lutea from hogs.

lutein

/ ˈluːtɪɪn /

noun

1. a xanthophyll pigment, occurring in plants, that has a light-absorbing function in photosynthesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of lutein¹

1865–70; < Latin lūte ( um ) yolk of an egg (noun use of neuter of lūteus yellow; luteous ) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of lutein¹

C20: from Latin lūteus yellow + -in

Example Sentences

The more lutein and zeaxanthin you eat, substances that come from vegetables like leafy greens, the thicker the pigment.

From Scientific American

“For example, green leafy vegetables are rich sources of phylloquinone, lutein and folate, and berries have great phenolic contents. The combination of these nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may potentially benefit the brain.”

From Washington Post

“These are all rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that protect your macula,” she says.

From Washington Post

Additional compounds found in pumpkins that support vision health are lutein and zeaxanthin, two plant pigments that help to protect eyes from harmful light waves, according to WebMD.

From Fox News

The tasty nuts also are chock full of antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which is good for eye health.

From Seattle Times