Lutein is usually filed under eye health: it's a yellow pigment that gathers in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Over the past two decades, researchers have noticed it also accumulates in the brain, and that's opened a new line of research. VapoCept gets its lutein from marigold flowers.
What is lutein?
Lutein is a carotenoid, part of the same family as beta-carotene. Your body can't make it, so it has to come from food or supplements. It's an antioxidant, and in the eye it's thought to filter blue light.
Lutein and the brain
Lutein is the main carotenoid found in human brain tissue, even though it's a small fraction of carotenoids in the diet. Researchers can estimate lutein levels in the eye with a quick, non-invasive test, and because eye and brain levels appear related, the eye works as a window on the brain.
- Observational studies in older adults have linked higher lutein levels with better scores on some tests of memory, attention and processing speed.
- A few small supplement trials, often using about 10 mg of lutein with 2 mg of zeaxanthin daily, reported improvements in certain cognitive measures over months.
- The research is promising but still early: study sizes are small, and not every study finds an effect.
How much lutein is in VapoCept?
VapoCept contains 25 mg of marigold flower extract standardized to 5% lutein, which works out to about 1.25 mg of lutein per capsule. That's lower than the amounts used in most supplement trials, so think of it as a contribution alongside a lutein-rich diet rather than the whole picture.
Food sources of lutein
- Kale and spinach, the richest everyday sources
- Collard and turnip greens
- Egg yolks, whose fat helps absorption
- Broccoli, peas, sweetcorn and Brussels sprouts
- Pistachios and avocados
Because lutein is fat-soluble, eating greens with some olive oil, eggs or avocado helps your body absorb it.
VapoCept
VapoCept adds marigold-derived lutein to ginkgo, turmeric and green tea.
The bottom line
Lutein is one of the more interesting nutrients in brain research, backed by a plausible biological story and encouraging early studies. A diet with plenty of leafy greens is the foundation; a supplement can add to it.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. VapoCept and MemoCept are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.