Age-related macular degeneration slowed by omega 3, lutein, and zeaxanthin
Age-related macular degeneration: mix of omega-3, lutein and zeaxanthin slows its development
A new study finds that a formulation containing lutein, zeaxanthin, and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA increases eye pigmentation density in people suffering from the dry form of AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration), a degenerative maculopathy that leads to slow but progressive vision loss. AMD comes in two profoundly different clinical forms, dry or atrophic macular degeneration and wet or exudative macular degeneration. The dry form is the one that affects most people in old age.
Symptoms of atrophic macular degeneration include a progressive decline in vision, with particular difficulty in reading despite wearing glasses.
Carotenoids and fatty acids
A study led by Dr. Christin Arnold from the University of Jena in Germany found that a combination of lutein, zeaxanthin and long-chain omega-3s can increase retinal pigmentation and help patients with macular degeneration improve their visual condition.
The researchers divided 172 patients with DME in the dry form into 3 groups:
- The first one was given a placebo;
- to the second they administered a formulation containing 10mg lutein, 1mg zeaxanthin, 100mg DHA and 30mg EPA;
- The third group was given twice the dose of the second group.
After 12 months of supplementation in both groups of the supplement increased the optical pigment concentration of the macula. These positive effects peaked as early as one month of supplementation and continued throughout the duration of the study. The double dose did not produce improved pigment density, so the researchers recommend the dose administered to the second group.
Source: Jama Ophtalmology
