Antioxidants Linked to Protection from Age-Related Eye Damage

Carotenoids are pigments such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene that produce the bright yellow, red, and orange colors in plants, vegetables, and fruits. A new study has found that higher plasma concentrations of carotenoids, vitamin A, and vitamin E may be associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Participants in the study included 164 adults with AMD and 164 adults without AMD. Blood samples were used to measure plasma concentrations of carotenoids, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

The researchers found that participants with AMD had significantly lower plasma concentrations of carotenoids, vitamin A, and vitamin E compared to those without AMD. Higher concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin were significantly associated with a lower risk of AMD. Higher concentrations of beta carotene, vitamin A in the form of retinol and vitamin E in the form of alpha tocopherol were also associated with a lower risk of AMD.

The study was conducted by researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong University. It was published online ahead of print on February 11, 2022, in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.

In a previous study, supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin was found to help improve several visual functions that are important for night vision driving.