ELKINS PARK, Pa.—Dietary supplements, particularly those delivering lutein and zeaxanthin, have positive effects on eye health, according to a review out of Salus University (Curr Med Res Opin. ePub 30 Jun 2010. DOI: 10.1185/03007995.2010.494549). The researcher, Felix M. Barker, II, conducted a PubMed search for studies about supplementation and visual health, including conditions such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Additional studies regarding the biologic effects of particular agents and measurement of visual function were identified using conventional literature searches on PubMed.
After examining the data, Barker concluded the studies do demonstrate improvement in areas including visual performance under glare conditions and contrast sensitivity when subjects took supplements, primarily those incorporating lutein and zeaxanthin. Observational and prospective intervention studies also support the conclusion that consuming xanthophylls via supplements can reduce the occurrence of AMD and cataract development. It was noted that there is variability in the results likely related to the limitations of these types of studies, and some results could be connected to other diet- or lifestyle-related factors.
