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Lutein is a nutrient found in many foods that supports eye health, but excessive intake can cause side effects such as skin discoloration, itching, and difficulty swallowing. It is recommended to obtain lutein through the diet rather than supplements. Consulting a doctor is advised if experiencing side effects.
Lutein is a nutrient found in many types of foods, including leafy green vegetables like kale or Swiss chard, various fruits, and even egg yolks. The main benefit of this nutrient is to support the function and health of the eyes. While a reasonable amount is healthy, it is possible to experience various lutein side effects if the amount absorbed each day is excessive.
The most common side effect of lutein is a discoloration of the skin. This condition, known as carotenosis, is caused by the presence of carotenoids in lutein. The end result is that too much of the nutrient leaves the skin with a somewhat yellowish tinge. Rarely do people develop carotenosis from eating foods that contain the nutrient. More often, the problem can arise when using packaged supplements, as the body has a harder time absorbing the required amount and flushing the rest out of the system. For this reason, many healthcare professionals encourage patients to obtain lutein through the diet rather than taking a supplement.
Some of the other common side effects of lutein include itchiness at various points on the skin, as well as the eyes. An excessive amount of the nutrient can cause redness of the face and a slight tingling that turns into itching on the forehead and cheeks. There are reported cases where the itching also occurred on the legs and arms. When the itchy sensation in the eyes occurs, it often feels like sand has gotten into the eyes and cannot be removed.
There are less common lutein side effects that can take place. Some people find that too much lutein in the body makes it harder to swallow, which can make it difficult to eat or take medicine. Others notice that they seem to have some chest pain or that breathing becomes a little more difficult. Side effects can persist for a while or seem random, making it more difficult to associate them with excess nutrients in the body.
In some cases, the different side effects of lutein can be mild, while at other times they can be somewhat more pronounced. Since all of these lutein side effects can also be symptoms of various types of health problems, consulting a doctor is a good idea. Once those other ailments are ruled out, adjusting the diet and using supplements to reduce the amount of lutein ingested each day should make the side effects go away.
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