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Lutein zeaxanthin good for healthy eyes 2008
The study adds to an ever-growing body of science supporting the role of lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health, with the majority supporting their role against AMD.
Lutein zeaxanthin vitamin E eyed for cataracts 2008
A higher intake of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin E, could reduce the risk of developing cataracts by about 15 per cent, suggests a new study.
New Clues To The Causes Of Age Related Macular Degeneration 2008
Four independent research groups recently discovered that variations in three genes associated with sensitivity of the immune response are also strongly associated with AMD.
Olive extract may protect against AMD 2008
A polyphenol from olives may protect against macular degeneration associated with age or the damaging effects of chemicals in tobacco smoke, suggests a new study.
An egg a day could keep AMD at bay 2006
Making the point of getting a daily egg, the yolk of which is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthing, could reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), suggest two new studies from the University of Massachusetts.
Associations Between Vitamin D & AMD in the Third National & Nutrition Examination Survey May 2007
This study provides evidence that vitamin D may protect against AMD. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Does coenzyme Q10 play a role in opposing oxidative stress in patients with AMD?
Results support the concept that free radicals play a pathogenic role in AMD and that CoQ10 may have a protective effect.
Fatty Acids Beneficial In Treatment For Dry Eye Syndrome
Schepens Eye Research Institute researchers have found for the first time that topical drop application of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) led to a significant decrease in clinical signs of dry eye syndrome (DES) in animal models.
Mitotropic compounds for the treatment of AMD
These findings suggest that the blend of ALC, PUFA, CoQ10 and vitamin E may improve retinal functions in early AMD.
Absorption of Lutein vs Lutein Esters: do we know the differences?
There is increasing evidence that lutein plays an important role in eye health. Several clinical studies have shown that consumption of lutein from foods (1,2) and from supplements containing lutein (3,4) or lutein esters (5-7) can increase serum lutein levels and macular pigment density. According to the scientific evidence available, only free lutein is found in the human serum regardless of its original dietary source. Lutein esters must be de-esterified before they are absorbed by the body.
Prevalence of Lutein Versus Lutein Esters in Human Diets
It is also worthwhile mentioning that the results from this data are consistent with the low daily average consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin previously reported by Nebeling, et al. (1997). Furthermore, these numbers are much lower than the suggested lutein intake of 6 mg/day reported in the Journal of American Medical Association in 1994 by Dr. Seddon and co-workers. These researchers found a high correlation of AMD-disease prevention with an intake of 6 mg/day of lutein from spinach and other dark leafy vegetables. Therefore, they recommended a diet rich in lutein to lower the risk of developing AMD (Seddon, et al. 1994).
Nutritional Manipulation of Primate Retinas, III: Effects of Lutein or Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Adipose Tissue and Retina of Xanthophyll-Free Monkey
Monkeys fed xanthophyll-free diets had no L or Z in serum or tissues. After L or Z supplementation, serum and adipose tissue concentrations significantly increased in the supplemented groups. Both L and 3R,3S-Z (RSZ or meso-Z, not present in the diet) were incorporated into retinas of monkeys supplemented with L, with RSZ present only in the macula (central 4 mm). All-trans Z, but no RSZ, accumulated in retinas of monkeys supplemented with Z.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Dietary Supplements Raise Macular Pigment Density
and Serum Concentrations of these Carotenoids in Humans
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is thought to be the result of a lifetime of oxidative insult that results in photoreceptor death within the macula. Increased risk of AMD may result from low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin (macular pigment) in the diet, serum or retina, and excessive exposure to blue light. Through its
light-screening capacity and antioxidant activity, macular pigment may reduce photooxidation in the central retina. Lutein supplements, at 30 mg/d, were shown previously to increase serum lutein and macular pigment density in two subjects.
Visual function in patients with age-related cataracts who received the lutein supplements improved, suggesting that a higher intake of lutein, through lutein-rich fruit and vegetables or supplements, may have beneficial effects on the visual performance of people with age-related cataracts.
The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of a combination of acetyl- L -carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10 (Phototrop ® ) on the visual functions and fundus alterations in early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One hundred and six patients with a clinical diagnosis of early AMD were randomized to the treated or control groups. The primary efficacy variable was the change in the visual fi eld mean defect (VFMD)from baseline to 12 months of treatment.
The mean change in all four parameters of visual functions showed significant improvement in the treated group by the end of the study period.
These findings strongly suggested that an appropriate combination of compounds which affect mitochondrial lipid metabolism, may improve and subsequently stabilize visual functions, and it may also improve fundus alterations in patients affected by early AMD.
This groundbreaking study shows lutein can be used therapeutically to improve visual function in all stages of macular degeneration. Patients suffering from macular degeneration can possibly regain some of their lost vision. This is the first conclusive study showing lutein improves visual function in patients with dry macular degeneration.
Data from the AREDS Study shows a therapeutic benefit for lutein. In AREDS participants, a higher intake of lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with a decreased likelihood of having advanced AMD at baseline. Further confirmation of lutein's value in preventing and treating macular degeneration.
The rate of increase in macular pigment optical density was correlated with the plateau concentration of carotenoids in the serum, but not with the presupplementation optical density.
Although this study provides no evidence for the long-term benefit of antioxidants in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the results suggest that increasing the level of retinal antioxidants might influence macular function early in the disease process, as well as in normal aging.
The findings of the Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial (LAST) support a therapeutic role of lutein in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Lutein improves visual function in patients with age related cataracts.
This groundbreaking study that helps redefine medicine's position regarding vitamins. The study concludes that suboptimal (below a minimal level which is necessary to prevent a chronic disease) vitamin intake increases your risk of developing chronic diseases. The study recommends people should be taking a multivitamin supplement with optimal levels of vitamins everyday. The study also suggests doctors should recommend a daily multivitamin for their patients.
Macular pigment is composed of lutein and zeaxanthin, the only carotenoids found in human lenses. The inverse relationship between Lens Optical Density (LOD) and Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin may retard again of the human lens.
In diabetes, with increasing age, there is a significant increase in the optical density of the lens and a reduced macular pigment optical density. The relationship between reduced macular pigment levels with increased severity of maculopathy may implicate oxidative stress as a causative factor.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study from the National Institute of Health (NIH), is a breakthrough study proving advanced stages of macular degeneration can be treated with high concentrations of antioxidants and zinc. This is the first major study supported by the NIH to conclude that the progression of macular degeneration can be slowed or arrested, thereby helping patients preserve their vision.
Lutein, zeaxanthin and other ocular carotenoids may protect the eye from light-induced oxidative damage and aging.
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