Dual effects of lutein on bone metabolism

Abstract

Lutein, a member of the xanthophyll family of carotenoids, is abundantly contained in green and yellow vegetables and fruits. High concentrations of lutein exists in the macula, and it prevents eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts through antioxidant effects and blue light absorption. However, the effect of lutein on bone metabolism remains unclear. Bone tissues are constantly resorbed by osteoclasts and regenerated by osteoblasts. The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation results in bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis. We found lutein suppressed RANKL expression in osteoblasts, preventing inflammatory osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. In vivo studies showed that feeding lutein to growing mice increased peak bone mass. In this review, we summarize the regulatory effects of lutein on bone metabolism and introduce the potential of lutein as a functional food to maintain the bone health.