Lutein Supplementation Slows Visual Loss in Adults with Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a common form of retinal degeneration. This disorder causes a progressive loss of photoreceptor cells in the eye and can eventually lead to blindness. Daily intake of 15,000 IU of vitamin A palmitate is known to reduce the progression of the disease and can sometimes postpone blindness for many years.

In newly published research, scientists sought to determine whether supplementation with lutein – a nutrient found in yellow/orange and dark green leafy vegetables – could slow visual decline in patients with RP who were already receiving vitamin A.

A randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial of 225 nonsmoking patients (ages 18 to 60) took place over 4 years. Each day, patients consumed a tablet of 12 mg of lutein or placebo. All participants were given 15,000 IU/day of vitamin A palmitate.

Over the course of the study, a decrease in visual sensitivity loss was seen in the lutein+vitamin A group. The average decline was smallest in the individuals with the highest serum lutein levels.

In this group of participants, lutein supplementation of 12 mg/day was effective at slowing visual sensitivity loss, and could therefore delay or prevent the occurrence of blindness even better than treatment with vitamin A alone.

Berson EL, et al. Clinical Trial of Lutein in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa Receiving Vitamin A. 2010. Arch Ophthalmol 128(4):403-11.

Originally found at Weekly Essentials of Health.

Zinc supplementation may protect against heart disease

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are important risk factors for heart disease. Zinc is an essential mineral with both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. Because of these properties, zinc may play a role in protecting the heart.

To examine the effect of zinc on markers of inflammation, researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of zinc supplementation in elderly subjects. Forty healthy elderly subjects (aged 56-83 years) were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One group received placebo; the other received 45 mg of zinc per day for 6 months.

Compared to the placebo, six months of zinc supplementation increased plasma zinc concentrations and decreased several markers associated with inflammation. Higher zinc levels were also related to a decrease in markers associated with oxidative stress.

The findings of this research suggest that zinc may have a protective effect in coronary artery disease thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Bin Bao, et al. Zinc decreases C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines in elderly subjects: a potential implication of zinc as an atheroprotective agent. 2010. Am J Clin Nutr 91:1634-41.

Original post Essentials of Health