Age-related macular degeneration slowed by omega-3, lutein and zeaxanthin
Age-related Macular Degeneration: The Mix of Omega-3, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin Slows Its Progression
A new study finds that a formulation based on lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA increases the density of ocular pigmentation in people suffering from the dry form of AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration), a degenerative maculopathy that leads to a slow but progressive loss of vision. AMD presents in two clinically distinct forms: dry or atrophic macular degeneration and wet or exudative macular degeneration. The dry form affects more people in older age.
Symptoms of atrophic macular degeneration include progressive vision loss, with particular difficulty reading even with glasses.
Carotenoids and Fatty Acids
A study led by Dr. Christin Arnold from the University of Jena in Germany found that a combination of lutein, zeaxanthin, and long-chain omega-3s can increase retinal pigmentation and help patients affected by macular degeneration improve their visual condition.
The researchers divided 172 patients with dry AMD into 3 groups:
- the first group was given a placebo;
- the second group was given a formulation containing 10 mg of lutein, 1 mg of zeaxanthin, 100 mg of DHA, and 30 mg of EPA;
- the third group was given double the dose of the second group.
After 12 months of supplementation, both groups taking the supplement showed an increased optical concentration of macular pigment. These positive effects reached their peak after just one month of supplementation and were maintained throughout the study duration. The double dose did not produce a better pigment density, so the researchers recommend the dose given to the second group.
Source: JAMA Ophthalmology
