Further Support for Eye Health Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

During the baseline testing of 111 healthy young subjects in a one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, lead author M Dengler and associates measured macular pigment, glare disability, photostress recovery time and contrast enhancement at the Vision Science Laboratory of the University of Georgia.

5 May 2010 --- On Monday, May 3, 2010, a new study was presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting in Fort Lauderdale that provides further confirmation that the level of macular pigment, comprised of lutein and zeaxanthin from the diet, can positively impact visual performance in individuals with normal eye health and function.

During the baseline testing of 111 healthy young subjects in a one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, lead author M Dengler and associates measured macular pigment, glare disability, photostress recovery time and contrast enhancement at the Vision Science Laboratory of the University of Georgia.  Macular pigment varied widely among the subjects but was significantly and positively correlated with glare disability, photostress recovery time and contrast enhancement. The current study is part of an intervention study, now in progress, which is testing whether supplementing with FloraGLO Lutein and OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin leads to improved visual performance by increasing the level of macular pigment. 
 
Glare from bright lights like the sun and high intensity automobile headlights are known to reduce visibility: when too intense glare can cause a temporary loss of vision.  Glare is encountered during such normal activities as driving, skiing, boating and golfing. In addition, objects surrounded by blue light have reduced contrast. 
 
For this intervention study, DSM Nutritional Products and Kemin Health, L.C., supplied the FloraGLO Lutein (10mg lutein/day) and OPTISHARP Zeaxanthin (2 mg zeaxanthin/day) tablets and matching placebo tablets.  The test tablets used Actilease technology in order to maximise the absorption of lutein and zeaxanthin.