Importance of carotenoids for eye health | Bruce Ames
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Carotenoids are molecules ubiquitous in nature that prevent cellular damage from the sun. In this clip, Bruce Ames explains that two carotenoids in the eye, lutein and zeaxanthin, are able to mitigate the harmful effects of singlet oxygen produced by sunlight. Deficiency of these two carotenoids leads to macular degeneration. He shares that he is currently writing a paper arguing that lutein and zeaxanthin should be considered vitamins because they are critical for long-term health of the eye.
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Organic pigments that are found mainly in the chloroplasts of plants and are responsible for absorbing light. Plants use carotenoids to create energy and protection from harmful UV rays and animals commonly use carotenoids as a precursor for vitamin A.
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