Carotenoids reduce risk of AMD (Age-related macular degeneration)

Article by Arnie Gitomer

Carotenoids reduce risk of AMD

The brightly colored carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and others accumulate in the macula of the eye and protect central-field-of-vision cells from bright light. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when these central-vision cells break down, and is the most common form of age-related blindness.

In this study, doctors measured the amount of carotenoids in the diets of 102,046 men and women over a 25-year follow-up period. At the start of the study, all were age 50 or older and were free from AMD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Those who consumed the highest amount of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin were 40 percent less likely to have developed AMD compared to those who got the least. Those who consumed other carotenoids, including alpha- and beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin, were 25 to 35 percent less likely to have developed AMD compared to those who got the least of these carotenoids.

Additional Comments . . . from Don Goldberg

One of my favorite carotenoid supplements is CarotenALL, by Jarrow Formulas. I like it because it contains a mixture of all of the natural carotenoids–beta carotene, alpha carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and astaxanthin. One softgel provides the amounts of these natural carotenoids found in 5-6 servings of vegetables. The Willner Chemists product code is 43873 (60 Softgels).  Link: Http://www.willner.com/products.aspx?pid=43873



Reference: JAMA Ophthalmology; October, 2015, Published Online