Lutein Holds Promise for Cataract Sufferers

Lutein Holds Promise for Cataract Sufferers

MADRID, Spain--Long-term supplementation with lutein mayimprove the visual performance of those suffering from age-related cataracts,according to a study published in the January issue of Nutrition(19:214-4, 2003) (www.elsevier.com/locate/nut).

Researchers led by Begona Olmedilla, Pharm.D., gave 17 cataract patients 15mg of lutein (as 12 mg of all-trans-lutein and 3 mg of 13/15-cis-lutein presentas mixed lutein esters) or 100 mg of vitamin E (as alpha-tocopherol) or aplacebo three times per week for up to two years.

Serum concentrations of lutein and vitamin E increased, although astatistical difference compared to baseline levels was only seen in the luteingroup. The lutein group also experienced improved visual acuity and glaresensitivity, while the vitamin group was found to experience only a maintenancein visual acuity and the placebo group a decrease. No side effects were reportedin any of the groups.

"Lutein supplementation may lead to a higher macular pigment densitythat could reduce the effects of chromatic aberration and increase glaresensitivity," the authors wrote. "The improvement in visualperformance of these patients with lutein supplementation may be related toacute and chronic effects in the retina and to the maintenance of the health andfunctional integrity of the retina and lens." Olmedilla et al went on tostate that the role of alpha-tocopherol in visual function remains unclear, butthere may be a potential role for vitamin E in bettering eye physiology andvisual function.

The capsules used in this study were prepared by Quest International, adivision of The Netherlands-based Unilever.