Lutein and zeaxanthin and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
January 30, 2009
This is mainly a disorder of the elderly and it is the reason for vision loss in several elderly people. This disorder affects the most sensitive part of the retina, the macula. Macula provides sharp and clear vision, which is needed for reading, driving, writing and other activities.
Free radicals are an enemy to a healthy retina. They cause the cell membranes to oxidise and deteriorate. Proper amounts of antioxidants are required to neutralise these free radicals and hence reduce their deteriorating effect on the macula.
A study showed that people who consumed more amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin were at a lesser risk of developing AMD compared to those who consumed less of these nutrients.
Foods that help to prevent AMD
Egg yolks, corn, green vegetables, broccoli, green beans, peas, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, honey dew, as well as kiwi are good sources of the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin.
Algae, nettles and petals of several yellow flowers also contain these essential nutrients. Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of lutein; however they fall back on zeaxanthin. Orange pepper, yellow corn, orange juice, mango, honeydew and egg yolk are good sources of the nutrient zeaxanthin.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are absorbed better than beta-carotene and hence, are more useful. The efficiency of their absorption increases if you eat them along with high-fat meals.
How do they work?
Both of these nutrients are already present in the macula of your retina. Their function is to prevent the toxic blue light and near UV radiation from coming in contact with the macula. They are able to neutralise the damaging free radicals. This is a part of their function of protecting the macula.
Beta-carotene as well as lycopene are also useful for the eye; however these are less stable compared to lutein and zeaxanthin. As a result, these two nutrients have a better chance to stand against decomposition by the free radicals.
These two are the only two carotenoids to have been recognised to be in the eye lens and provide protection against any increase in the lens density that is caused as a result of aging.
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