Baran Brothers: Going for Green Keeps Vision Golden

We interact with the marvelous world around us in numerous ways. Without a doubt, our visual contact with the universe may be the most gratifying. We have as a species developed this “visual” side to our senses, causing it to dominate all others. Beyond the aspect of seeing the beauty around us, however, eyesight cripples us when it begins to fail.

Age-related macular degeneration, or ARMD, causes almost half of all cases of impaired vision or blindness in this country. This disease, which causes the macula (part of the retina that controls central vision) to gradually break down, is chronic and degenerative.

There are two types of ARMD: “dry” and “wet,” with over 90% of cases being of the form characterized by progressive deterioration of the retina (dry). Although laser treatments seem to benefit the wet version of the disease, there is very little in the way of treatment for the more common dry form. There is some good news, however, as research is beginning to suggest various nutrients and supplements may help to slow or stop the disease.

A controlled study reported in Optometry (2004;74:1-15) found that supplementation of lutein, either combined with antioxidants and other nutrients or alone, actually improved vision in people with ARMD, in both early and advanced stages.

Lutein is in the carotenoid family of molecules (most famous of these being beta carotene) and in the body actually concentrates itself in the macula portion of the retina. There it filters out the very damaging blue light component of sunlight. It is found in large amounts in kale and spinach, and in lesser amounts in other dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, and corn.

In the study, 90 people with ARMD were divided into three groups and were given daily treatments for 12 months. Group 1 received 10 mg of lutein daily (amount present in about two ounces of spinach); group 2 received the same amount of lutein coupled with nutrients to enhance retinal health, such as antioxidants, bilberry, quercetin, taurine, zinc, N-acetyl cysteine and others; group three was the placebo control.

For both groups receiving lutein there was an improvement in visual acuity (equivalent to an improvement of up to one line on a standard eye chart) and in contrast sensitivity. Using certain parameters, combination therapy seemed more effective than lutein alone, and using other measures lutein by itself seemed more effective. Both active groups showed an improved capacity to filter out toxic blue light, and both showed beneficial effects in both early and later stage ARMD subjects.

Because lutein is a potent antioxidant, it may possess health related benefits beyond eye health. Studies now suggest that lutein may possibly protect the circulatory system from deadly plaque build-up, rejuvenate lungs, lower the risk of arthritis of the knee, protect an aging brain, and help to reduce oxidative damage to the skin. Another closely related antioxidant, called zeaxanthin, also concentrates itself in the macula and is typically found in the same food sources as lutein. When supplementing with lutein, look for products that supply zeaxanthin along with lutein. Researchers typically recommend five to 10 mg of lutein per day for optimum eye health.
As always consult your physician or health care practitioner in all these matters that impact your health, seek corroboration of information, and most of all, educate yourself.

Andre Baran IV and his brother Bernard Baran, are co-owners of Brothers Nutrition in Edgewater. They can be reached via e-mail at edge@
brothersnutrition.com.