Nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin associated with reduced risk for age-related eye disease

"Nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin associated with reduced risk for age-
related eye disease", Spirit India, September 11, 2007,
Link: http://www.spiritindia.com/health-care-news-articles-12986.html

Consuming higher levels of the yellow plant pigments lutein and
zeaxanthin may be associated with a lower risk for age-related macular
degeneration, according to a report in the September issue of Archives
of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula, the
area at the back of the retina that produces the sharpest vision,
deteriorates over time. It is a leading cause of irreversible
blindness among elderly people of European descent, according to
background information in the article.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group assessed 4,519
individuals who were age 60 to 80 when they enrolled in 1992 through
1998. At that time, photographs were taken of their retinas to
determine if they had AMD, and if so, to which of four stages the
condition had progressed. The participants also completed a food
frequency questionnaire that measured how often they consumed foods
rich in certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. These included
lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins C and E.

The participants were divided into five groups based on the amount of
each nutrient they consumed. Those who had the highest levels of
lutein and zeaxanthin were significantly less likely than those in the
group with the lowest levels to have advanced AMD. They were also less
likely to have large or numerous intermediate drusen, yellow or white
deposits on the retina or optic nerve head that are a sign of AMD. No
associations were seen with any of the other nutrients.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, also called carotenoids and found in yellow and
dark leafy vegetables, may affect processes through which light and
oxygen damage the eyes, the authors note. "Lutein and zeaxanthin have
the capacity to filter short-wavelength light associated both with
photochemical damage and the generation of reactive oxygen species
that attack cellular lipids, proteins and nuclear material; these
carotenoids also have the capacity to reduce the potency of nascent
reactive oxygen species," which damage cells, they write.

"If these cross-sectional results can be confirmed in prospective
samples and experimental studies, lutein and zeaxanthin may be
considered as useful agents in food or supplement-based interventions
designed to reduce the risk of AMD," the authors conclude.

 

Results indicate an inhibitory effect of lutein on beta-carotene
absorption,

In the these "cure" pills ingredients are lutein and betta-carotine
One is ingibitor of the other.


Lutein was traditionally used in chicken feed to provide the yellow
color of broiler chicken skin.
Polled consumers viewed yellow chicken skin more favorably than white
chicken skin.
Wikipedia

 

So you are saying the study could be flawed?

and

Probably better to take one or the other (lutein vs beta-carotene) but
not both?

Don W.

PS. So what about the chickens?

 

Getting back on track for a moment....

Lutein and Zeaxanthine are the primary carotenoids found in the eye
and are more resistant to oxidation and better absorbed than beta-
carotene. If I had my choice of intake of carotenoids, it would be
those 2 over beta-carotene. Here's a good article.

http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lut_0164.shtml

 

So why is there so much fuss over beta carotene?

Can you get catotenoids in carrots?

Where do you get Lutein and Zeaxanthine?

Why would resistance to oxidation be a benefit?

You say better absorbed, do you mean better absorbed into the blood
stream, or better absorbed into somewhere else?

 

X-No-Archive: yes

www.google.com

 

Hi,

Normally I would google these things, but google sometimes give
inaccurate result.

The doctors here are very much knowledgeable and will tell me the most
accurate information, I think.

I am grateful.

 

X-No-Archive: yes

That never stopped you before.

So ... you want their advice, but totally ignore it when it's actually
offered. I see.

 

X-No-Archive: yes

Hi,

What do you mean, please?

I have learnt a lot from the optometrists here, especially Mike Tyner
and Greg Gemoules. They have taught me a lot about science, and vision
and medicine, and a lot of other stuff. Although it doesnt look like
it, I absorb lots of things that they tell me. I know, it might look
like I have ignored them but I havent. I actually am very grateful.

 

Please use the link I provided. It will answer all of your questions
better than I can.

 

Thanks for the link. Looks good.

Don W.