Supplements Improve Eye Health
Antioxidant and carotenoid supplements may improve retinal health in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), suggests an Italian study in the journal, Ophthalmology.
A combination of 180 mg vitamin C, 30 mg vitamin E, 22.5 mg zinc, 1 mg copper, 10 mg lutein, 1 mg zeaxanthin and 4 mg astaxanthin was found to improve the function of the retina among 27 people with non-advanced AMD. (Ophthalmology, 115(2): 324-333, 2008.)
And this isn’t the first time that these supplements have been linked to improving eye health. For example, previous studies have concluded that there is biological process in the eye that converts lutein into the high quality antioxidant mesozeaxanthin, which is a part of the zeaxanthin family. In addition, carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, may reduce the risk of AMD by absorbing blue light that could damage the macula, by preventing free radicals from damaging eye cells and by strengthening eye cell membranes.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: AMD affects nearly 30 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 55. To protect your vision as you age, be sure to include plenty of antioxidants and carotenoids in your diet, both from supplements and food. You can find lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin in leafy green vegetables, corn, egg yolks, squash, broccoli and peas.
QUICK TIP: Jean Carper discusses the health benefits and best food sources of lutein. Learn More
Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.
