Indication: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)


Source: Experimental Eye Research, April 2007;84(4):718-28.

Research:
An intervention group of 108 adults received a daily supplement containing antioxidants for 6 months. The men and women, with an average age of 71.5 years, nearly all exhibited early symptoms of AMD. A control group of 28 subjects received no food supplements. The supplement used in the study consisted of 12 mg lutein and 1 mg zeaxanthin, both provided in the ester form as Xangold, 120 mg vitamin C, 17.6 mg vitamin E, 10 mg zinc and 40 µg selenium. In the intervention group, macular pigment density was measured on five occasions during the supplementation phase of the trial, and once again 3 months after supplementation had been discontinued. The control group was examined at baseline and once again at the end of the study.

Results:
The intervention group showed substantial increases in blood levels of lutein and a statistically significant average increase of 16% in macular pigment density. Moreover, 25% of the group had increases in MPOD (macular pigment optical density) averaging 50%. No such increases were seen in the control group.