Lutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: a 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

We investigated the effect of long-term antioxidant supplementation (lutein and alpha-tocopherol) on serum levels and visual performance in patients with cataracts.

METHODS:

Seventeen patients clinically diagnosed with age-related cataracts were randomized in a double-blind study involving dietary supplementation with lutein (15 mg; n = 5), alpha-tocopherol (100 mg; n = 6), or placebo (n = 6), three times a week for up to 2 y. Serum carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations were determined with quality-controlled high-performance liquid chromatography, and visual performance (visual acuity and glare sensitivity) and biochemical and hematologic indexes were monitored every 3 mo throughout the study. Changes in these parameters were assessed by General Linear Model (GLM) repeated measures analysis.

RESULTS:

Serum concentrations of lutein and alpha-tocopherol increased with supplementation, although statistical significance was reached only in the lutein group. Visual performance (visual acuity and glare sensitivity) improved in the lutein group, whereas there was a trend toward the maintenance of and decrease in visual acuity with alpha-tocopherol and placebo supplementation, respectively. No significant side effects or changes in biochemical or hematologic profiles were observed in any of the subjects during the study.

CONCLUSIONS:

Visual function in patients with age-related cataracts who received the lutein supplements improved, suggesting that a higher intake of lutein, through lutein-rich fruit and vegetables or supplements, may have beneficial effects on the visual performance of people with age-related cataracts.

• Authors: B Olmedilla, F Granado, I Blanco, M Vaquero
• Journal: Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) (Nutrition) Vol. 19 Issue 1 Pg. 21-4 (Jan 2003) ISSN: 0899-9007 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12507634 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antioxidants
• alpha-Tocopherol
• Lutein

Topics

• Age Factors
• Aged
• Antioxidants (administration & dosage, analysis, therapeutic use)
• Cataract (drug therapy)
• Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
• Dietary Supplements
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Glare
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Lutein (administration & dosage, blood, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Visual Acuity (drug effects)
• alpha-Tocopherol (administration & dosage, blood, therapeutic use)