Above: Big Fire in August 2009--We've seen some amazing things from our office window!
LUTEIN/ZEAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENTS AND AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two pigments found in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for your central and most detailed vision. These pigments act as natural antioxidants and high-energy light filters, and help protect the macula from damage. One of the things that happens in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is that there is loss of some of the macular pigment.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in various foods (see below) but also are marketed in supplements. Two available supplements are based upon AREDS and AREDS2 (the first and second Age Related Eye Disease Study). AREDS/AREDS2 supplements have been found to be helpful for people with moderate or advanced AMD. People who do not have AMD, generally speaking, SHOULD NOT take AREDS or AREDS2 supplements. Lutein and zeaxanthin are also available in supplements that contain just those two pigments, without the rest of the AREDS2 formula. Some doctors and researchers think that it is reasonable for people at risk for AMD to consider taking a lutein/zeaxanthin supplement or at least to make sure that these pigments are present in the diet.
Based upon what I have read thus far, research into the benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin does not conclusively prove that supplementation with these pigments will delay or prevent AMD. Nevertheless, there does seem to be some evidence that they may be helpful and not harmful. Some people who have lost macular pigment density can have some of that pigment density restored after increasing consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin. What science has not been able to ascertain yet is whether restoration of macular pigment density will delay or prevent the occurrence of AMD. More studies will need to be done.
Some studies discussing lutein and zeaxanthin are located here:
Side effects. It is very rare to have any negative side effects from ingesting these pigments. However, there have been reports of slight yellowing of the skin for some people, a temporary condition that should reverse upon cessation of usage. On the positive side, there is also some research indicating that lutein and zeaxanthin may have the benefit of acting as a natural UV block to the skin:
As usual, more research will be needed before we truly understand the full nature of these pigments. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DISCUSS LUTEIN/ZEAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENTATION WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR BEFORE BEGINNING TO TAKE IT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITION.
Ways to try to prevent or delay AMD include:
(1) Do not smoke and do avoid smokers. Even second-hand smoke can triple one's risk of macular degeneration. (2) Keep weight under control. (3) Keep blood pressure under control. (4) Keep cholesterol under control. (5) Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outside during the day. (5) Consider using one of the new antireflective treatments (such as Hoya Recharge EX3) on your glasses, which blocks out the part of the visible blue spectrum just adjacent to ultraviolet, because it appears that these blue wavelengths may also be associated with AMD (as well as glare and sleep problems). (6) Consider ingesting more lutein and zeaxanthin via food or supplement. (7) Have a yearly eye exam, especially if you are at risk for AMD.
Excerpts From American Optometric Association website:
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"Lutein (LOO-teen) and zeaxanthin are important nutrients found in green leafy vegetables as well as other foods such as eggs. Many studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) . AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 55 in the Western world and the incidence is expected to triple by 2025. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and act as antioxidants in the eye, helping protect and maintain healthy cells. Of the 600 carotenoids found in nature, only two are deposited in high quantities in the retina (macula) of the eye: lutein and zeaxanthin. Unfortunately, the human body does not synthesize the lutein and zeaxanthin it needs, which is the reason why green vegetables are essential to good nutrition. Daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin through diet, nutritional supplements, or fortified foods and beverages is important for the maintenance of good eye health. Much evidence supports the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in reducing the risk of AMD. Although there is no recommended daily intake for lutein and zeaxanthin, most recent studies show a health benefit for lutein supplementation at 10 mg/day and zeaxanthin supplementation at 2 mg/day. Most Western diets are low in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can be found in spinach, corn, broccoli and eggs. If you are not getting enough lutein and zeaxanthin through diet alone, consider adding supplements to your daily routine. At this time, the AOA is unaware of any studies that have examined interactions between medications and lutein and zeaxanthin. The AOA also is not aware of any adverse health reports from interactions between medications and lutein and zeaxanthin. However, the AOA recommends consulting with a health care professional before beginning any supplementation regimen."
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Foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin
Kale (cooked) - 1 cup - 23.8 mg
Spinach (cooked) - 1 cup - 20.4 mg
Collards (cooked) - 1 cup - 14.6 mg
Turnip greens (cooked) - 1 cup - 12.2 mg
Spinach (raw) - 1 cup - 3.8 mg
The paragraph and table immediately above were copied from this page:
LUTEIN/ZEAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENTS:
There are many competing products available in stores, and this makes it hard for a consumer to know which product(s) are the ones discussed by the doctor. I have chosen one that contain the ingredients discussed on this page. The following is NOT an AREDS or AREDS2 supplement.
Please note that for best absorption of this product, it is best taken after eating some dietary fat (hopefully a healthy dietary fat!).
MAXIVISION LUTEIN FORMULA
10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, 355 mg spinach powder. Vegetarian capsule.
For our patients' convenience, we now sell this product in the office. We are only able to sell this to our own patients.
For our patients' convenience, we now sell this product in the office. We are only able to sell this to our own patients.
