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06.01.07
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 g 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.