Lutein May Increase Visual performance.

Article by Arnie Gitomer

Lutein May Increase Visual performance.

Here is yet another study that indicates a role for lutein, one of the carotenoids, in improving visual problems.

“A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 1year intervention study, involving 120 healthy drivers with long-term light exposure, found that lutein might improve visual performance under low illumination. Subjects either received 20 mg of lutein daily or no lutein (control group) and were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Assessment included visual acuity, serum lutein concentrations, macular pigment optical density (MPOD), and visual performance. At baseline and post-treatment, dietary intakes of lutein and visual-related quality of life were measured. Results showed serum lutein and central MPOD in the lutein group increased significantly, compared to controls. Increases in contrast and glare sensitivity, especially in the mesopic condition were observed in lutein group, as well as improvements in the score of the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Functioning Questionnaire driving subscale. Findings indicate that lutein may benefit driving at night and other spatial discrimination tasks carried out under low illumination.”

"Lutein supplementation improves visual performance in Chinese drivers: 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study," Yao Y, Qiu QH, et al, Nutrition, 2013 Jan 26; [Epub ahead of print].