Lee Swanson Research Update

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are Linked to Lower AMD Risk

September 2007

Supplementing with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin has once again been associated with a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.

The research was undertaken as part of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)—a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute under the umbrella of the National Institutes of Health. The AREDS Research Group assessed 4,519 participants between the ages of 60 and 80 years when they enrolled in the study.

Researchers concluded: "Higher dietary intake of lutein/zeaxanthin was independently associated with decreased likelihood of having neovascular AMD, geographic atrophy and large or extensive intermediate drusen."

AMD is a degenerative disease that causes central vision loss and leaves only peripheral vision. Early detection is cited as a means of prevention so that treatment or rehabilitation can be undertaken early enough. However, links to diet have also been underscored.

At the time of the clinical trail, photographs were taken of the participants’ retinas to determine if they had AMD and to which of four stages the condition had progressed. The participants filled out a food frequency questionnaire measuring how often they consumed foods rich in certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Researchers found that dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was inversely associated with neovascular AMD. "If these cross-sectional results can be confirmed in prospective samples and experimental studies, lutein and zeaxanthin may be considered as useful agents in food or supplement-based interventions designed to reduce the risk of AMD," wrote the researchers.

Archives of Ophthalmology 125(9):1225-1232

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