Lutein And Zeaxanthin :Supplements In Maintaining Youthful Vision

Lutein And Zeaxanthin : Supplements In Maintaining Youthful Vision

A significant study conducted at the Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston demonstrated that those adults who maintain sufficient lutein and zeaxanthin levels in their retina show greater sensitivity to light. This is relevant since a gradual loss of light sensitivity is prior to macular degeneration. But with sufficient lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina, a sixty-year old person was able to see faint light as well as a twenty-year old.

Lutein also improves vision. In the most significant study yet, Stuart Richer. O.D., Ph. D. of the Veterans Hospital in North Chicago reports that, in just twelve months, 10 mg of supplemental lutein measurably reversed certain aspects of macular degeneration, effecting such benefits as glare reduction, improvement in contrast and the disappearance of blind spots. This is the first time that a food supplement has been effectively used to reverse this disabling eye disease rapidly, rather than just slowing down its development or preventing its onset.

In Milan, Italy, researchers reported an encouraging study wherein people who took lutein/zeaxanthin supplement for eighteen months, had their visual acuteness improved by 25 percent, compared with an improvement of only 14 percent in a group that did not take the supplement . During the study period, vision worsened in 43 percent of those who took no supplements, compared with a smaller 30-percent decline in vision among those who took lutein. This is in fact, one of the most encouraging studies to date.

Lutein and zeraxanthin not only act like a sunlight filter for the retina, blocking out harmful ultraviolet and blue-violet radiation , but also help as to sharpen our vision by removing rays from entering the eyes that are poorly focused. Lutein and zeaxanthin also help to improve contrast, the ability to see objects in bright or dim light.

Invisible light rays ranging from 280 to 400 nanometers, comprise the UV spectrum of light. Violet and blue light range from 400 to about 500 nanometers. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter out a significant portion of light rays up to about 475 nanometers.

Relative Risk for Macular Degeneration Based Upon

Consumption of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Daily lutein/zeaxanthin consumption Relative risk reduction

1.7 mg 16 percent reduction

2.5 mg 23 percent reduction

5.8 mg 57 percent reduction

Foods High In Lutein (per 100 gram serving)

Amaranth leaves 15,000 mcg

Broccoli, raw 1,900 mcg

Cress leaf 12,500 mcg

Collard green 16,300 mcg

Kale 21,900 mcg

Mustard green 9,900 mcg

Okra, raw 6, 800 mcg

Parsely. Raw 10,200 mcg

Romaine lettuce 5,200 mcg

Spinach, raw 10,200 mcg

Foods High in Zeaxanthin ( per 100 gram serving)

Collard green, cooked 266 mcg

Corn, sweet and canned 528 mcg

Kale, cooked 173 mcg

Pepper, orange and raw 1,608 mcg

Persimmons 488 mcg

Romaine Lettuce, raw 127 mcg

Spinach, raw 331 mcg

Tangerine 142mcg

Turnip greens, cooked 267 mcg

SOURCE :

USER’s GUIDE TO EYE HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

By Bill Sardi

Published By : BASIC HEALTH PUBLICATIONS