Lutein supplementation improves visual performance at night

February 10, 2015

Lutein supplementation improves visual performance at night

At a Glance

In a new study, healthy drivers that were supplemented with lutein over one year experienced a significant improvement in visual performance in low-light conditions, such as driving at night.

Read more about this research below.

Previous research has shown that the carotenoid lutein supports the health of the eyes and can positively affect visual performance. In a new study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers examined the potential benefit of lutein supplementation on visual function in healthy drivers who are exposed to long-term light exposure.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 120 normally healthy drivers. Over the course of 1 year, the active group was supplemented with 20 mg of lutein daily. Participants were analyzed for visual acuity, serum lutein concentrations, visual performance, and macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Low MPOD is a key risk factor for age-related macular degeneration while a high MPOD not only reduces one’s risk for macular degeneration but also helps to improve visual performance.

Analyses were conducted at the beginning of the study, and after month 1, 3, 6, and 12. Dietary intakes and visual-related quality of life were also measured at the beginning and at the completion of the study.

Serum lutein and central MPOD in the supplemented group were increased significantly, while there was no change observed in the placebo group. The active group experienced a trend toward improved best spectacle-corrected visual acuity measured. Significant improvements in contrast and glare sensitivity, especially in low light conditions, were observed in the supplemented group. The active group also saw significant improvements in the score of the National Eye Institute 25- Item Visual Functioning Questionnaire.

This study showed that supplementation with 20 mg/day of lutein increases MPOD levels, and that lutein may benefit visual performance in low-light conditions, such as driving at night.

Yao Y, Qiu QH, Wu XW, Cai ZY, Xu S, Liang XQ. Lutein supplementation improves visual performance in Chinese drivers: 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrition 2013 Jul-Aug;29(7-8):958-64.

Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improves measures of visual performance in healthy adults

April 1, 2015

Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improves measures of visual performance in healthy adults - Weekly Essential of Health brought to you by Usana Health Sciences

At a Glance

A new study shows that supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin—compounds contained naturally in green, leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach—may improve measures of visual performance such as photostress recovery and the response to glare conditions. 

Read more about this research below.

 

Dietary carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are plant-derived pigments that concentrate in the inner layers of the macula region of the eye. The macular pigments act much like a sunscreen within the eye to protect the delicate tissues of the retina. It is well known that sufficient levels of these carotenoids reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in the elderly. Less is known of the benefits of supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin in young, healthy adults. 

A new double-blind placebo controlled study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science assessed the link between higher macular pigment optical density (MPOD) resulting from supplementation to improvements in glare disability, photostress recovery, and other measures of visual performance.   

The study included 115 young, healthy adults who either received a supplement containing a daily dosage of 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin or a placebo over a one year supplementation period. Several measurements were collected at baseline and every 3 months: serum lutein and zeaxanthin, MPOD, photostress recovery, chromatic contrast and glare disability. MPOD is a measure of the amount of macular pigment present in the macular. Photostress recovery is a measure of how fast the eye recovers sight after being exposed to a flash of bright light. Chromatic contrast is the ability to discriminate an object from its colored surroundings. Glare disability is a measure of the amount of glaring light that can be tolerated before vision is significantly impaired. 

MPOD and serum lutein and zeaxanthin levels increased significantly in the treatment groups versus placebo. In the supplemented group, chromatic contrast and photostress recovery times improved significantly versus placebo during the study period. The researchers also found that improvement in glare disability was highly correlated to increased macular pigment density.  

The results of the current study demonstrate that lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improves several measures of visual function in normal healthy individuals and adds to evidence from previous studies that increased MPOD results in improved visual performance. 

Hammond BR et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on photostress recovery, glare disability, and chromatic contrast. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Dec 2;55(12):8583-9.