New Research Showing Vitamin C, Lutein and Zeaxanthin Can Reduce Risk of Cataracts
July 13, 2011
Cataracts are responsible for 48% of the world’s blindness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). They are characterized by a cloudiness in the lens that obstructs vision, and are treated via surgery.
A recent study assessed over 5500 subjects in India to see whether there was a correlation between various nutrients and the incidence of cataracts. Vitamin C was found to reduce the incidence of cataract by 32%. The reduction was as good or greater when the type of cataract was described: nuclear cataract, 34%; cortical cataract, 30%; posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC), 42%. Lutein, zeaxanthin and retinol also caused a reduced risk, but it was weaker than that of vitamin C, and not consistent across types of cataract. Beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol were also evaluated and did not significantly reduce risk.
To see the study abstract, click here.
Risa Schulman, PhD
Expert, Healthy Food and Dietary Supplement Science, Marketing and Regulatory
Tap~Root
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