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April 5, 2001, LaGrange, IL – New research showing an
association between the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin and Age-Related
Macular Degeneration (AMD) suggests that supplementation may be beneficial
for the elderly. With no cure and few effective treatments for this
leading cause of blindness among seniors, prevention is of paramount
importance.
In four recently published papers, researchers looked at
the relationship between these two carotenoids, the macular pigment, and
their association with AMD. In a paper just published in Investigative
Ophthalmology and Visual Science,(2) Richard Bone, PhD, a biophysicist
from Florida International University, and colleagues demonstrated for the
first time that low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina of the
eye are associated with an increased risk of AMD. Earlier research
theorized that this was true but it was not known if low carotenoid levels
caused AMD or were a consequence of the disease.
Dr. Bone’s research group analyzed the retinas from 56
donors with AMD and 56 “healthy” retinas. They found that eyes
containing the greatest amount of lutein and zeaxanthin were 82 percent
less likely to have AMD than eyes containing the least amount, an inverse
association consistent with earlier research. In addition, they were able
to demonstrate statistically that the low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin
observed throughout the retinas of diseased eyes were unlikely to be
simply a consequence of AMD.
“We now have important evidence which brings us closer
to making the statement that a low level of lutein and zeaxanthin in the
retina may be one of several risk factors for AMD,” said Dr. Bone.
“Therefore, while there is no cure for this progressive condition,
supplemental lutein might offer some protection for our aging population.
Future studies will help to clarify which variables, such as diet and
lifestyle, affect risk for AMD,” he explained.
“Quite possibly the single largest cause of vision loss,
at least 13 million older Americans have signs of AMD,” according to
Prevent Blindness America.(3) This number is expected to double within the
next 30 years as the baby-boomer generation enters its later years.
Deposits of lutein and zeaxanthin form the “macular
pigment” in the eye’s retina. This tissue, with its normal carotenoid
deposit, aids detailed vision and, by filtering out harmful blue
wavelengths of light, may reduce levels of damaging free radicals. An
increased macular pigment density appears to reduce the risk of AMD.
In a comprehensive new review article, Dr. Bone and
colleague John Landrum, PhD, provide background information to support the
association between lutein and zeaxanthin levels and AMD.(4) Among the
topics they review are distinguishing characteristics such as the chemical
and physical structures of the macular carotenoids, and what makes them
functionally unique.
Appearing in Experimental Eye Research is another study by
the two researchers suggesting that low lutein levels are linked to eye
disease.(5) They studied lutein and zeaxanthin levels in the diet and
blood, as well as the optical density of the macular pigment, among 19
healthy men and women ages 18-59. They also studied lutein and zeaxanthin
in 23 pairs of donor eyes and blood samples from those donors. Drs. Bone
and Landrum reported that both dietary and blood levels of the two
carotenoids were generally correlated with the macular pigment density of
the subjects. They also found that lutein and zeaxanthin levels were lower
among donor eyes obtained from subjects diagnosed with AMD.
Another study recently published by researchers in The
Netherlands found that volunteers who took natural lutein ester
supplements derived from marigolds showed a substantial increase in plasma
lutein concentration and macular pigment optical density.(6) The male
participants took a daily dose equivalent to10 mg of lutein for a period
of 12 weeks.
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derived from antioxidants. Cognis Nutrition and Health, a leading supplier
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(1)This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure
or prevent any disease.
(2)Bone RA, Landrum JT, Mayne ST, et al., “Macular Pigment in Donor Eyes
with and without AMD: A Case-Control Study,” Investigative Ophthalmology
and Visual Science, 2001;42:235-240
(3)Prevent Blindness America, 2000 Annual Report,14
(4)Landrum JT, Bone RA, “Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and the Macular Pigment,”
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2001:385:28-40
(5) Bone RA, Landrum JT, Dixon Z, et al., “Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the
Eyes, Serum and Diet of Human Subjects,” Experimental Eye Research,
2000;71:239-245
(6)Berendschot TT, Goldbohm RA, Klopping WA, et al., “Influence of
Lutein Supplementation on Macular Pigment, Assessed with Two Objective
Techniques, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science,
2000;41:3322-3326
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