Macular Degeneration and Lutein Research

As of this writing there are four clinical trials looking at macular degeneration prevention or progression with some form of lutein. Lutein is one of the most important antioxidants for your eyes - especially the macula.

Macular Degeneration Lutein

High concentrations of this antioxidant are in the macular pigment. The macular pigment is known to provide protection against macular degeneration and cataracts. There are several studies showing the relationship of this pigment to the development or progression of macular degeneration.

Currently there is a study at the University Hospital Bordeaux in France that is looking at preventing age related macular degeneration in those that are at high risk because of family history. Here are the details on this Macular Degeneration Lutein Research.

Lutein Influence on the Macula of Adult Children of Patients with AMD (LIMPIA)

This study is looking at how the density of the macular pigment changes after 6 months of supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin in those who are at high risk for developing age related macular degeneration (AMD).

There are two arms to the study. One group will receive 2 capsules of Nutrof Total 2 times per day for 6 months. The other group will receive 2 Placebo Nutrof capsules 2 times per day for 6 months.

Eligibility Criteria

Those who are eligible to participate in the study are:

Men or women 40 to 70 years old

Has a father or mother with a history of wet AMD

Visual acuity of 20/25 or better

According to the description of this study on the clinicaltrials.gov website:

"A first step towards the demonstration of a preventive effect of macular pigment for AMD consists in the evaluation of the effect of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on their plasma and retinal concentrations."

Nutrof Total Ingredients

Here is the ingredient list of Nutrof Total according to the Nutrof website:

Tagetes Erecta extract 65mg, containing:
Lutein 10 mg
Zeaxanthin 2 mg

Vitis Vinifera extract 5mg, containing: Resveratrol 0.25 mg

Essential fatty acids EPAX fish oil 280mg, containing:
DHA (Omega 3) 50%.
Vitamin C 60 mg
Vitamin E 10 mg
Zinc 10mg
Copper 500ug
Selenium 25ug
Glutathione 1 mg

The body is unable to manufacture lutein. So a person must eat foods high in lutein or take supplements. It has been shown in several studies that levels of these two carotenoids can be increased in the eye when taking a supplement or eating lutein rich foods, but blood levels drop as soon as the supplement is not being taken.

If you have a parent or sibling with macular degeneration, like my husband, you are at a higher risk of developing AMD. But if you'd like to find out what steps you can take to help reduce your risk go to:

Macular Degeneration Prevention

Thanks so much for subscribing to Macular Degeneration News.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision

www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com

Back to Back Issues Page