10 October 2014
A supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids seems to significantly improve the processing speed of visual signals, even in young, healthy people.
The randomized controlled trial investigated the potential relationship between increased intakes of zeaxanthin alone (20 mg/day), a combination of zeaxanthin (26 mg/day), lutein (8 mg/day) and mixed omega-3 fatty acids (190 mg/day) or placebo for four months with macular pigment density and visual motor reaction time in 92 young healthy participants (1). The study results showed that participants who received the supplements had significantly increased lutein and zeaxanthin (macular pigment) concentrations in the retina of the eye and an improved visual motor reaction time (about 10%) compared to placebo.
The researchers commented that lutein and zeaxanthin are major carotenoids in the eye but are also found in post-receptoral visual pathways. It has been hypothesized that these pigments influence the processing of visual signals within and post- retina. Increasing macular pigment density – as a biomarker of lutein and zeaxanthin levels in the brain – through supplementation seems to result in significant improvements in visual processing speed, even when testing young, healthy individuals who tend to be at peak efficiency. Visual processing speed is how fast one can look at and process information on a task that does not take any more thinking than noticing the differences or sameness in the objects shown.
1 March 2013
A new review shows that regular vitamin C supplementation seems to have a consistent effect in reducing the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. A significant reduction in incidences of the common cold has been shown for people with heavy, short-term physical stress.
15 June 2011
According to a new US study, folic acid intake from dietary supplements or fortified grain products is unlikely to exacerbate problems associated with low vitamin B12 levels.
1 July 2013
Micronutrient requirements differ according to the individual. They can vary according to stage of life, gender, health status, lifestyle habits, possible hereditary metabolic disorders and environmental influences. At certain stages of life, the importance of and need for individual micronutrients is particularly high, for example in pregnancy and when breastfeeding, for children and youths during the growth phase, and in old age. Micronutrient intakes that do not meet the needs of earlier stages of life in particular can increase chances of developing chronic illnesses later in life, such as osteoporosis or heart disease. It is therefore important to ensure an adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids and other nutrients from the very beginning.
