Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Lutein and zeaxanthin significantly reduced two symptoms of macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration, also known as, age-related macular degeneration, is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over the age of sixty (1,2). Approximately 50 million Americans are affected, which is expected to increase by 50% by 2020 (3). Recent research has found that lutein and zeaxanthin improved vision in early age-related macular degeneration (1).
Macular degeneration is the loss of central vision, affecting activities such as reading and driving, and ultimately compromising quality of life (1,2). The disease causes cells in the macula of the eye to die and often can go unnoticed because it is painless (2).
Carotenoids are concentrated in the macula of the eye and protect against oxidative damage from light (4). Lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally occurring carotenoids and have been associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (1,5).
The research included 108 participants from 50-79 years of age who had been diagnosed with early age-related macular degeneration. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg lutein per day (n=27), 20 mg lutein per day (n=27), 10 mg lutein plus 10 mg zeaxanthin per day (n=27) or placebo (n=27) for 48 weeks. Data was collected at baseline, week 24 and week 48 (1).
Macular pigment optical density is a test used to determine how well the eye protects against damaging light. In all active treatment groups, macular pigment optical density increased over time, indicating the eye filtered out more damaging light. Significant improvements were seen in the 20 mg lutein group at week 24 (OR 0.059; 95% CI: 0.009-0.109; P<0.05) and week 48 (OR 0.076; 95% CI: 0.030-0.112; P<0.01). Significant improvements were also seen in the 10mg lutien plus 10 mg zeaxanthin group at week 48 (OR 0.058; 95% CI: 0.002-0.113; P<0.05). No significant changes were seen in the placebo group or 10 mg lutein group (1).
There was also a significant difference observed between the placebo group and the 20 mg lutein group in contrast sensitivity at 3 cycles/degree (0.18 vs. -0.03; 95%CI: 0.01-0.40; P<0.05) and 6 cycles/degree (0.21 vs. -0.01; 95% CI, 0.03–0.41; P<0.01) indicating improvement in vision, specifically the ability to see the contrast between dark and light (1).
In conclusion, lutein and zeaxanthin significantly improved macular pigment optical density and contrast sensitivity in participants with early age-related macular degeneration (1). Increasing macular pigment optical density may prevent or slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (1). It is also important to note that no adverse side effects were reported (1). Larger scale studies over longer term should still be conducted.
Source: Ma, Le, et al. “Effect of lutein and zeaxanthin on macular pigment and visual function in patients with early age-related macular degeneration.” Ophthalmology 119.11 (2012): 2290-2297.
© 2012 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Posted February 12, 2013.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Ma L, et al. Effect of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Macular Pigment and Visual Function in Patients with Early Age-related Macular Degeneration. 2012 Ophthalmology 119: 2290-97.
- Medline Plus: Macular Degeneration
- Eye Disease Prevalence Research Group. Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in the United States. Arch Ophthalmol 2004; 122:564-72.
- Barker FM II, et al. Nutritional manipulation of primate retinas: V. Effects of lutein, zeaxanthin, and n-3 fatty acids on retinal sensitivity to blue light-induced damage. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011;52: 3934 – 42.
- Cho E, et al. Prospective study of lutein/zeaxanthin intake and risk of age-related macular degeneration. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:1837–43.
