A new study published in Optometry and Vision Science, found daily supplementation with the carotenoids, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, could boost retinal eye health and provide benefits for people with seemingly healthy eyes.
40 healthy individuals with an average age of 23.9 years participated in this study. Participants were assigned to receive a supplement of Lutein (10 mg) and Zeaxanthin (2 mg) daily for 6 months. Researchers looked mostly at the effects of glare both indoor (prolonged exposure to computer monitors) and outdoor (due to being outdoors on bright sunny days). Additionally nighttime exposure to intense light beams from oncoming headlights into participant’s eyes was also studied. Researchers measured MPOD (macular pigment optical density) at the beginning of the study and also at the end of the study. MPOD measures the eye’s ability to filter short-wave light.
MPOD had increased from an average value of .41 at study onset to .57 after 6 months of the Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplementation. When participants were tested for their performance in visual tasks after being exposed to glare Researchers found a significant reduction in the negative effects of glare exposure.
Researchers concluded that improvements if MP (macular pigment) does improve some aspects of vision due to increases in MP then supplementation with Lutein and Zeaxanthin could be considered palliative.
Further study of Lutein and Zeaxanthin is warranted since many elderly and AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) patient’s experience issues with glare.
ASK US. WE KNOW. NOBODY KNOWS NUTRITION LIKE WE DO. NOBODY!
