Lutein for macular degeneration treatment and natural therapy

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in aging Western societies. There is a good possibility that many people will benefit from takin lutein for macular degeneration problems. The exact dosage of lutein required as supplements for long term use is not clear, but taking a 20 mg capsule twice a week seems reasonable.
   Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is the leading cause of blindness in the Western World among individuals 65 years or older. Early macular degeneration, a clinical state without overt functional loss, is present clinically when yellowish deposits known as drusen and/or alterations of fundus pigmentation are seen in the macular retina. Although the full causes of age related macular degeneration remains unclear, there is a growing body of evidence in support of the view that cumulative oxidative damage plays a causal role, along with potential deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA. Appropriate dietary antioxidant supplementation is likely to be beneficial in maintaining visual function in patients with age related macular degeneration, and preventing or delaying the progression of early AMD to late AMD.

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Lutein is a potent antioxidant carotenoid found in abundance in fruits and green leafy vegetables. In the macula, lutein is selectively accumulated from plasma and filters out visible blue light. Recent studies suggest this filtering process serves to protect the retina from damage caused by light or oxidation. This Lutein product is extracted from the marigold flower.




Macular pigment and macular degeneration
Macular pigment plays a significant role in the development of age-related macular degeneration. The is now clear evidence that oxidative damage in the cause of macular degeneration. This has been confirmed by several studies, including the results of a large randomized clinical trial, the AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study). This study showed that high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc might prevent age related macular degeneration. Macular pigment components such as lutein and zeaxanthin are highly resistant to free radicals. Continuing data from clinical, epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin protect against the development of age related macular degeneration.
   Those with a high dietary intake of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have a lower risk for macular degeneration, and a lower risk for developing drusen. Studies have shown that Increased dietary intake of lutein / zeaxanthin and omega-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with a reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Dosage of lutein for macular degeneration
What is the right dosage of lutein for macular degeneration? Some people may require only 2 to 5mg of lutein, whereas others may benefit from 10 to 20 mg of lutein a day. On average, it would be a good idea to take daily about 10 mg of lutein for macular degeneration treatment. If you can only find a lutein supplement that comes in a 20 mg dosage, try taking half a capsule, or take this lutein supplement every other day.

Impact of eating habits on macular pathology assessed by macular pigment optical density mesure.
J Fr Ophtalmol. 2010. Cohen SY, Algan M, Conrath J, Roquet W. Centre Ophtalmologique d'Imagerie et de Laser, Paris, France.
Low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in blood or food are associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These molecules, provided by food, form the macular pigment.  Patients included in this pilot study where categorized into four groups : (1) < 50 years with drusen, (2) >/= 50 years without drusen, (3) >/= 50 years with drusen, and (4) >/= 50 years with drusen and neovascularization. During consultation, macular pigment optical density was measured and information on pathology and eating habits were collected. Assessment of macular pigment optical density considering eating habits and groups showed that it was lower in group 1 patients when they ate less than five portions of fruits and vegetables per day and less than two portions of cabbage, broccoli, pepper, corn, or spinach a week. In groups 3 and 4, food supplement intake was related to an increase in optical density. Food supplements were consumed by 58.5 % of patients in group 4. Analysis of mean optical density measured by the MPS 9000 QuantifEYE considering eating habits confirmed the impact of food supplement intake on optical density, especially in patients >/= 50 years with drusen and with or without neovascularization.