09.01.11
Nutraceutical: Vitamin C
Indication: Cataracts
Source: Ophthalmology, June 25, 2011 [Epub ahead of print]
Research: Researchers recruited a total of 5638 people 60 or older in India. Participants were interviewed for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors (tobacco, alcohol, household cooking fuel, work and diet); attended a clinical examination, including lens photography; and provided a blood sample for antioxidant analysis. Plasma vitamin C was measured using an enzyme-based assay in plasma stabilized with metaphosphoric acid, and other antioxidants were measured by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cataract and type of cataract were graded from digital lens images using the Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS III), and cataract was classified from the grade in the worse eye of ≥4 for nuclear cataract, ≥3 for cortical cataract, and ≥2 for posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC). Any cataract was defined as any unoperated or operated cataract.
Results: Of 7518 enumerated people, 5638 (75%) provided data on vitamin C, antioxidants and potential confounders. Vitamin C was inversely associated with cataract. Inclusion of other antioxidants in the model (lutein, zeaxanthin, retinol, beta-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol) made only a small attenuation to the result.
Indication: Cataracts
Source: Ophthalmology, June 25, 2011 [Epub ahead of print]
Research: Researchers recruited a total of 5638 people 60 or older in India. Participants were interviewed for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors (tobacco, alcohol, household cooking fuel, work and diet); attended a clinical examination, including lens photography; and provided a blood sample for antioxidant analysis. Plasma vitamin C was measured using an enzyme-based assay in plasma stabilized with metaphosphoric acid, and other antioxidants were measured by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cataract and type of cataract were graded from digital lens images using the Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS III), and cataract was classified from the grade in the worse eye of ≥4 for nuclear cataract, ≥3 for cortical cataract, and ≥2 for posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC). Any cataract was defined as any unoperated or operated cataract.
Results: Of 7518 enumerated people, 5638 (75%) provided data on vitamin C, antioxidants and potential confounders. Vitamin C was inversely associated with cataract. Inclusion of other antioxidants in the model (lutein, zeaxanthin, retinol, beta-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol) made only a small attenuation to the result.