Lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 may improve eye health

A STUDY published in JAM A Ophthalmology shows that nutritional intake of lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) may be beneficial for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The  12-month  LUTEGA  study,a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial, took place at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany. A total of 172 individuals with a dry form of AMD were given either a capsule containing 10+1 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin (from FloraGLO? Lutein) and 100 mg DHA + 30 mg EPA or a capsule with twice these dosages.

The  researchers  found  that  the concentrations of the administered carotenoids in plasma as well as the optical density of the macular pigment increased significantly in the groups randomised to receive supplementary macular xanthophylls and omega-3 LC-PUFAs after one month of intervention and remained at this level through the end of the study. They concluded that ‘a supplement containing a fixed combination of lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 LC-PUFAs during 12 months significantly improved plasma antioxidant capacity, circulating macular xanthophyll levels, and the optical density of the macular pigment.’