High Levels of Lutein, Zeaxanthin May Decrease AMD Risk

High Levels of Lutein, Zeaxanthin May Decrease AMD Risk

MIAMI--In the January issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (42: 235-40, 2001), researchers found that the higher the levels of lutein and zeaxanthin found in the eye's retina, the lower the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In a study led by Richard Bone from Florida International University, retinas from 56 donors with AMD were compared to 56 healthy retinas using high-performance liquid chromatography. It was found that those subjects' retinas that were in the highest quartile of lutein and zeaxanthin levels had an 82-percent lower risk for AMD compared to those in the lowest quartile.
In related news, the March issue of Experimental Eye Research (72, 3: 215-23, 2001) reported on a study that found lutein and zeaxanthin to have a role in protecting the eye from light-induced oxidative damage and aging because the carotenoids filtered out short-wave light and acted as antioxidants. The study, led by Paul Bernstein at the University of Utah, was funded by the National Institutes of Health; Research to Prevent Blindness Inc.; and Kemin FoodsLLC. For additional information, visit www.iovs.org or Kemin Foods at Booth #1619-1623 at SupplySide East.