December 4, 2000 – According to various epidemiological studies, people who consume a lot of lutein suffer less from the two most common vision problems with age: cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein is an antioxidant in the carotene family and is found primarily in dark green leafy vegetables.
Cataracts are the most common vision problem with age: in the United States, more than half of people over 65 have it. As for macular degeneration, a disease affecting the retina itself, it is the main cause of blindness in old age.
So, if consuming lots of dietary lutein protects eyesight, does taking lutein supplements provide the same benefit? In a small preliminary study of people with retinopathy pigmentosa (another degenerative disease of vision), taking lutein supplements had a positive effect, especially in people with blue eyes. However, this study did not include a control group and the subjects self-assessed their condition. Long-term, double-blind, control-group research on the effects of lutein supplements is not yet available.
On the other hand, another preliminary study with a group of men suffering from macular degeneration showed that consuming half a cup of spinach, 4 to 7 times a week, for a year, improved their problem. of vision. The average intake of lutein is around 0.6-0.8 mg per day, but consuming half a cup of spinach, broccoli, or kale alone adds 1.5-10 mg. One more reason to eat your broccoli.
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References
Dagnelie G, Zorge IS, McDonaldTM. Lutein improves visual function in some patients with retinal degeneration: a pilot study via the Internet.Optometry. 2000 Mar; 71 (3): 147-64.
Richer S. ARMD – pilot (case series) environmental intervention data. J Am Optom Assoc. 1999 Jan; 70 (1): 24-36.
