A study published in the Archives of Opthalmology, shows higher intakes of Vitamin E and the carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin, may reduce the risk of Cataract development by approximately 15%.
Over 35,000 women with an average age of 53 1/2 participated in this study. Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) were used to obtain detailed dietary information from the participants. The women’s cases were followed for a period of 10 years where 2,031 cases of cataracts in participants were confirmed. Intakes of Lutein, Zeaxanthin were quantified and participants were separated into 5 groups.
The highest group showed an average intake of 6,716 mcg of Lutein and Zeaxanthin daily. Correspondingly this group had an 18% reduced risk of developing cataracts when compared with the group of women with the lowest intake of these nutrients (1,177 mcg daily). Additionally women with the highest average intake of Vitamin E from both food and supplements (262.4 mg/daily) were 14% less likely to develop cataracts than women in the lowest intake group (4.4 mg/daily). No other relationship between cataract risk and intake of other antioxidants or carotenoids was seen.
Researchers concluded that higher intakes of Lutein and Zeaxanthin plus Vitamin E were associated with decreased risk of cataract formation. Both Lutein and Zeaxanthin are detected in the human lens. This study reinforces the growing body of scientific evidence that supports the role of all these nutrients in supporting eye health. There is a multitude of evidence showing Lutein and Zeaxanthin are beneficial in stopping the progression of Age Related Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of legal blindness in seniors.
Further studies are needed.
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