According to researchers from Queen’s University, Belfast: a combination of antioxidant pigments and vitamins may slow down sight loss in elderly people,The study used a commercial supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, and zinc.
According to findings, the combination supplement slowed down the
progression of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to late AMD.
AMD is a degenerative retinal disease that causes central vision loss
and leaves only peripheral vision, and the leading cause of legal
blindness for people over 55 years of age in the Western world,
according to AMD Alliance International.
Results of the Carotenoids in Age-Related Maculopathy (CARMA) study
indicated that intake of high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin preserved
the macular pigments. On the other hand, the macular pigments of
participants in a placebo group declined steadily.
«These findings are important because this is the first randomised
controlled clinical trial to document a beneficial effect through
improved function and maintained macular pigments” said the study’s coordinator, Professor Usha Chakravarthy, from Queen’s Centre of Vision and Vascular Science (CVVS).
“The aim of the CARMA Study is to investigate whether lutein and
zeaxanthin, in combination with co-antioxidants (vitamin C, E, and
zinc), has a beneficial effect on visual function and/or prevention of
progression from early to late stages of disease,” state the researchers in Ophthalmic Epidemiology.
Study is ongoing, but it appears the combination of nutrients does indeed show potential against AMD.
«Late AMD causes severe sight loss and has a huge economic impact
both in terms of the effects of sight loss itself and in terms of the
expensive treatments that are needed to deal with the condition,” added Prof Chakravarthy.
«We wanted to carry out the study as prevention of progression to late AMD can result in a reduced financial and societal burden.»
The study was funded by Dr Mann Pharma and Bausch and Lomb and sponsored by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
By Stephen Daniells, 24-Jun-2009
Category: Productos
Source: Nutraingredients.com
