PARIS—Greater intake of lutein and zeaxanthin through the diet or supplements can positively affect older adults at risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a recent study (J Fr Ophtalmol. ePub 2010 Mar 9; DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2010.01.015). Researchers from Centre Ophtalmologique d’Imagerie et de Laser classified patients in a pilot study into four groups: (1) under 50 years of age with drusen; (2) older than 50 years of age without drusen; (3) older than 50 years of age with drusen; and (4) older than 50 years of age with drusen and neovascularization. The team also assessed macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and collected information on eating habits.
In group 1, MPOD levels were lower among subjects consuming less than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and less than two servings of cabbage, broccoli, peppers, corn or spinach in a week. In groups 3 and 4, use of dietary supplements was related to an increase in MPOD, and such products were used by 58.5 percent of patients in group 4. The team concluded such supplements can increase MPOD, especially in older adults at risk of AMD.