Lutein and Zeaxanthin Important for Eye Health

Lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health in elderly individuals, a recent study reports. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids with significant antioxidant activity. They are the principal carotenoids in the eye lens and macular region of the retina, and may support eye health by minimizing light-induced oxidative stress.

Researchers investigated the relationship between plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin and healthy, clear lens in eyes. The subjects included 1,689 elderly individuals between 61 and 80 years of age. The subjects were evaluated for clearness of the lens and plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin.

The results indicated that the subjects with the highest levels of lutein had a 42 percent reduced likelihood of eye lenses that were not healthy and clear compared to the subjects with the lowest levels of plasma lutein. Similarly, the subjects with the highest concentrations of zeaxanthin had a 41 percent reduction in the likelihood of eye lenses that were not healthy and clear compared to the subjects with the lowest concentrations of zeaxanthin.

The study authors concluded that high plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin were associated with an increased likelihood of healthy, clear lenses of the eye in elderly individuals.

Reference:

Karppi J, Laukkanen JA, Kurl S. Plasma lutein and zeaxanthin and the risk of age-related nuclear cataract among the elderly Finnish population. Br J Nutr. 2011 Aug 30. Published Online Ahead of Print.