Expert opinion
Experts emphasize that beta-carotene is indispensable as a safe source of vitamin A
8 March 2011
The intake of preformed vitamin A from animal products is not sufficient in parts of the population in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.
03 April 2013
According to a new German study regular supplementation with a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin increases the optical density of the macular pigment, potentially preventing the progression of age-related macular degeneration in patients.
The randomized controlled trial included 145 individuals aged 50 to 93, all with dry (nonexudative) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), who received either a daily capsule containing 10 mg of lutein, 1 mg of zeaxanthin, 100 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 30 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a capsule containing twice the dose of these micronutrients or a placebo for 12 months (1). The study results showed that in the supplemented participants, the plasma concentrations of the two carotenoids increased significant-ly and these levels were maintained throughout the trial. In addition, optical density of the macular pigment increased significantly in the treated groups, but was nearly unchanged in the placebo group. The pigment's density was slightly (non-significantly) higher in participants who received double the dose of micronutrients compared to those who received a single dose.
The researchers commented that the clinical importance of these findings is unknown, since they do not prove that supplementation prevents progression and/or development of AMD. The second Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS2), a large, randomized controlled trial that is expected to report results this spring, used the same micronutrients but at different doses and in different combinations (10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, 650 mg EPA, and 350 mg DHA). The average follow-up in approximately 4000 participants was nearly five years, giving AREDS2 the statistical power to detect whether progression to advanced AMD was prevented.
8 March 2011
The intake of preformed vitamin A from animal products is not sufficient in parts of the population in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.
8 November 2010
Long-term use of vitamin E and C supplements may have only little effect on cataracts among the elderly, a new US study says.
13 March 2017
The month of February is dedicated to heart health. The route to a healthy heart is through your stomach: eat well to support the three pillars of heart health. Keep blood pressure under control, maintain a healthy blood lipid profile, and support a healthy blood flow with nutrition.