Lutein and zeaxanthin offer protection against AMD

New research affirms the protective effect lutein and zeaxanthin have against age-related macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are macular xanthophylls (pigments) and they play an important role in healthy vision and cognition. The ongoing study being conducted by Dr. Paul Bernstein, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center, involves 53 Moran Eye Center patients who are currently enrolled in the AREDS 2 study. In Dr. Bernstein’s research, annual measurements are taken of macular pigments, skin carotenoids, and serum carotenoids. Skin and serum carotenoid measurements are not thought to be reliable biomarkers for macular pigment optical density. 70% of the study participants had high baseline levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. It is hoped that the data gleaned from the research will lead to new applications in the study of macular xanthophylls and their metabolites in humans. The study may not necessarily lead to clinical applications. In addition to the research of diseased eyes, there is also ongoing research into the effects lutein and zeaxanthin supplements have on healthy eyes. Lutein is also to thought to have a neuroprotective effect and research shows that it slows down cognitive decline in older adults. VisiVite formulas containing high dosages of Lutein and Zeaxanthin can be found on this page: http://www.visivite.com/lutein-zeaxanthin.html.*