© Matt Reed
The naturally-occurring carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin can enhance visual performance among young and healthy consumers, according to new research sponsored by two nutritional manufacturers.
The study, from researchers at the University of Georgia, monitored the effect of 10mg of lutein, 2mg of zeaxanthin and a placebo over a one year period. “The results of the study indicate that the regular intake of lutein and zeaxanthin can be beneficial for improving vision in young, healthy people,” it concluded.
It noted that serum levels of the two carotenoids and macular pigment optical density (MPOD), which has been shown to have a major impact on visual performance, increased significantly in the supplemented group. No changes were reported in the placebo group.
The brands of lutein and zeaxanthin used were FloraGlo and Optisharp, from nutritional ingredients manufacturers Kemin and DSM, who co-sponsored the research.
The study’s principal investigator, Billy R Hammond, said: “The scientific community has known for a long time that increasing macular pigment density can improve many aspects of visual function and the Glare 2 study provides important further confirmation. Showing lutein and zeaxanthin improve function in normal healthy individuals widens its applications, as we continue to investigate the potential of nutrition to support both eye health and visual performance.”
Anita Norian, Kemin’s president of human nutrition and health, defended the use of the companies’ products in the study: “FloraGlo and Optisharp are the most clinically researched lutein and zeaxanthin brands in the world. The brands were chosen by the US National Eye Institute for use in its prestigious second age-related eye disease study Glare 2 is another example of how Kemin and DSM are committed to working in partnership to support ongoing research into the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in visual performance and eye health.”
DSM’s global marketing manager, Jens Birrer, added: “The global market for eye health ingredients is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 6% until 2019. Eye health supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin have typically been aimed at older consumers, with age-related eye conditions identified as a major health concern. The Glare 2 study has been conducted in a younger, healthier population, opening up new markets to the industry as people look to enhance their visual performance and comfort through the consumption of nutritional ingredients from an early age.”
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