A new study found daily supplementation with Lutein plus Vitamin A may slow vision loss associated with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a group of inherited eye diseases that affects the retina. Retinitis Pigmentosa causes the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina which leads to vision loss in about 1 out of 4,000 people worldwide yearly. Prior studies have shown Vitamin A was effective for slowing the decline in vision loss and retinal function.
225 non smoking people between the ages of 18 and 60 participated in this randomized, controlled, double-blind trial. Participants, all non smokers, were assigned to receive either Vitamin A (15,000 IU of retinyl palmitate) alone or a combination of Vitamin A (15,000 IU of retinyl palmitate) and Lutein (12 mg). The study lasted 4 years.
No significant effect was seen in the overall decline in vision between the Vitamin A group and the Lutein plus Vitamin A group. However, a significant reduction in the rate of vision loss in the mid-peripheral region was seen. The average level of mid-peripheral sensitivity for a person 40 years of age is 375 dB. The participants in the Lutein plus Vitamin A group lost on average 27 dB per year. The Vitamin A only participants lost on average 34 dB per year. This data indicates that a person who is 40 years old with Retinitis Pigmentosa who takes the Lutein plus Vitamin A combination would not likely lose their mid-peripheral field until around 61 years of age. This represents a significant improvement since a person who is 40 years of age with Retinitis Pigmentosa who takes only the Vitamin A is likely to lose their mid-peripheral field approximately 10 years earlier at the age of 51.
Lutein is a photonutrient and is found in green leafy vegetables and egg yolks and has been mostly associated with reducing the risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (ADM) and is oftentimes taken in combination with Zeaxanthin.
More research is needed.
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