Kemin Survey Shows Eye Doctors Believe Lutein Helps Eye Health

Kemin Survey Shows Eye Doctors Believe Lutein Helps Eye Health

DES MOINES, Iowa--More than 90 percent of eye doctors believe poor nutrition plays a role in the development of common eye diseases and that lutein plays an important role in promoting eye health, according to a study conducted by Jefferson Davis Associates for Kemin Foods. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based independent research firm queried 150 ophthalmologists and 150 optometrists across the United States between June and July 2001. The goal was to assess eye care specialists' levels of awareness, acceptance of and commitment to lutein.

The study also found that 84 percent of eye doctors currently recommend lutein to their patients and that 80 percent of these eye doctors believe regular use of lutein is helpful in maintaining eye health. Other findings included that 89 percent of eye doctors believe lutein is natural and safe, 71 percent believe consumers should supplement their daily diet with lutein, and 58 percent believe that lutein is the nutrient that best supports long-term eye health.

"I've always believed that lutein plays an important role in promoting eye health," said Robert Abel, an ophthalmologist and member of the Lutein Information Bureau Advisory Board. "I'm pleased to know that my colleagues agree. It's important to note that the overwhelming majority of eye doctors also agree that regular use of lutein can minimize macular degeneration." Kemin Foods helps support the Lutein Information Bureau and is the supplier of FloraGLO® purified lutein.