Home »  News »  Diet may help reduce cataract risk

Diet may help reduce cataract risk

Eating lots of yellow or dark leafy vegetables, as well as foods rich in vitamin E may help reduce the risk of developing cataract.

Diet may help reduce cataract risk

Eating lots of yellow or dark leafy vegetables, as well as foods rich in vitamin E may help reduce the risk of developing cataract. Researchers have hypothesised that oxidative damage can lead to cataract formation and that nutrients with antioxidant capabilities, such as vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin, can protect against these changes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids detected in the human lens and the oxidation products of lutein and zeaxanthin further support a role for these nutrients in preserving lens clarity. American researchers studied the relationship between carotenoids and vitamin C and E in the diet and the risk of cataracts in 35,551 women who enrolled in the Women's Health Study in 1993 and who were followed for an average of 10 years. In detailed comparisons of the diets of 2,031 women who developed cataracts with the diets of 33,520 women who did not, significant inverse trends were observed in the risk of cataracts and dietary quantities of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E. Women with the highest amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet (about 6,716 micrograms per day) had an 18 per cent lower risk of cataract compared with those with the lowest amounts (about 1,177 micrograms per day). Similarly, women with the highest dietary levels of vitamin E from foods and supplements (about 262 mg per day) were 14 per cent less likely than women with the lowest levels (about 4 mg per day). In this study, higher levels of vitamin C in diet were associated with a lower risk of cataract, but this link was weak and statistically insignificant. The findings suggest that the risk of cataract decreases with higher dietary levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E. However, further studies are warranted to randomly check the different levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in patients. Such information will help to clarify the benefits of supplemental use of lutein / zeaxanthin, and provide the most reliable evidence as a basis for public health recommendations for cataract prevention by vitamin supplementation.
Archives of Ophthalmology,
January 2008
COMMENT

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Was this Article Helpful Yes or No

................... Advertisement ...................

 

................... Advertisement ...................

................... Advertisement ...................

................... Advertisement ...................

--------------------------------Advertisement---------------------------------- -