Food Supplement: Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Could Zeaxanthin limit the effects of AMD?

Older people who suffer from early signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) may be able to use a nutritional supplementation product to restrict the effect of this condition.

A study carried out by eye nutrition pioneer Stuart Richer, PhD, at Chicago's Veterans Administration Hospital has been able to establish health benefits to elderly citizens consuming Zeaxanthin.

Twin study shows lifestyle, diet can significantly influence course of macular degeneration

Twin study shows lifestyle, diet can significantly influence course of macular degeneration among individuals with the same genetic susceptibility

Eating a diet high in vitamin D, as well as the nutrients betaine and methionine, might help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, according to new research conducted by Tufts Medical Center scientists. Their study of identical twins from the US World War II Twin Registry also found that the more a person smoked, the higher their risk of developing macular degeneration.

Omega-3 fatty acid and fish intake prevents AMD

Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish decreases the risk of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women, according to a new study.

Cardiovascular disease and AMD have been hypothesized to share similar mechanisms and risk factors. Dietary intake of fish, and specifically omega-3 fatty acids concentrated in fish (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), has been linked with reduced rates of cardiovascular events in epidemiologic studies and could have a similar beneficial effect in AMD.

Fish Consumption May Prevent Macular Degeneration

Eating fish and shellfish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids may protect against age-related macular degeneration, according to a report published in the December issue of Ophthalmology.

Omega-3 in seafood protects eyes

Researchers at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, wanted to know how the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) would be affected in a population of older people who regularly ate fish and seafood.

High concentrations of omega-3s have been found in the eye's retina, and evidence is mounting that the nutrient may be essential to eye health.

...read more: Omega-3 in seafood protects eyes

Current Research: Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are Essential for Keeping Eyes Healthy

Nutritional Supplements are Recommended at an Older Age
current scientific review article has confirmed that an optimal supply of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, is essential for keeping our eyes healthy. The authors emphasise the potential of these nutrients for protection of the retinal cells and the prevention and treatment of age-related degenerative eye diseases, such as macular degeneration (AMD) in the elderly.

Micronutrients and their Relevance for the Eye

Micronutrients play an important role in function and health maintenance for the eye. Especially lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids perform remarkable functions: lutein together with zeaxanthin forms the macular pigment, these carotenoids filter out the damaging blue light component from the sunlight as well as the ultraviolet light which leads to improved contrast sensitivity and less problems with screen glare.

Omega-3 fatty acids appear to impact AMD progression

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as tuna and salmon may protect against progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but the benefits appear to depend on the stage of disease and whether certain supplements are taken, report researchers at the Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research (LNVR), Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University.