Nutrients Lead to Long-lasting Enhancement of Vision in Individuals with Macular Degeneration

In the beginning of 2020, a group of researchers disclosed the outcomes of an innovative nutritional study that is anticipated to significantly influence the future of eye health. They have validated the effectiveness of specific nutrients in preventing and treating the primary cause of vision loss and blindness in individuals over 50 years old - macular degeneration.

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin act as protective antioxidants that constitute the macular pigment located at the rear of the retina. This yellow pigment enables us to have clear central vision.

Prior research has demonstrated that individuals lacking these three nutrients are at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration later in life. Symptoms may include partial vision loss, seeing spots, difficulty seeing in low light, and a distortion where straight lines appear wavy instead of straight.

Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include kale, spinach, egg yolks, corn, and bell peppers, and these nutrients are commonly found in eye health supplements. Conversely, meso-zeaxanthin is less common. It is primarily found in certain fish, particularly in their skins. However, the body can produce sufficient meso-zeaxanthin from lutein under ideal conditions.

Overview

For more than ten years, numerous proponents of natural health have suggested lutein and zeaxanthin supplements for maintaining good eye health. Yet, are these supplements truly effective? And what about meso-zeaxanthin supplements?

Researchers in the United Kingdom decided to delve deeper into this matter.

In their study, they divided 121 patients with early-stage macular degeneration into two groups. 61 individuals consumed a daily supplement containing lutein, zeaxanthin, and other nutrients that support visual function, such as vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper. The remaining 60 participants took the same supplement but with the addition of meso-zeaxanthin.

Nearly Half Experienced Improved Vision

After a period of two years, rather than experiencing the expected decline, most participants reported enhanced vision, showing significant progress in 24 out of the 32 eye tests conducted. Almost half (40 percent) of the participants displayed meaningful improvements in their vision. The research highlighted notable vision improvements, particularly in those who took the supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin.

Lead researcher, Professor John Nolan, remarked, "These findings are extremely promising. It has been a privilege and a rewarding experience to collaborate with [volunteers] and witness the positive impact on their quality of life as the deterioration in their vision is halted, and they begin to notice a clear enhancement."

Physician Achieves Remarkable Results Through Self-Treatment

Although familiar with Professor Nolan's work, UK doctor, author, and science journalist Michael Mosley initially harbored doubts regarding nutritional supplements. However, despite wearing glasses for most of his life, the 60-year-old doctor decided to set aside his skepticism and evaluate a formula containing lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin extracted from marigolds.

Prior to taking the formula, he underwent a comprehensive eye examination conducted by Professor John Barbur from City University, London. The tests revealed poor color detection ability for blue and yellow hues, as well as limited night vision and detail perception compared to much younger individuals.

Enhancements in Night Vision and Color Perception

After a span of 90 days, the outcomes surprised both Dr. Mosley and Professor Barbur. Color perception for blue and yellow shades had returned to normal, night vision had improved, and macular pigmentation had thickened.

These improvements occurred despite Dr. Mosley consuming a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.

Dr. Mosley also sought to determine whether carotenoids obtained from food would yield similar outcomes. To test this, ten volunteers drank a green smoothie containing elevated levels of lutein and zeaxanthin for five weeks.

The results yielded unexpected findings.

Supplements Outperformed Food Sources

While blood lutein levels nearly doubled, zeaxanthin levels remained unchanged. There was no alteration in macular pigmentation, and visual acuity did not improve.

Dr. Mosley conceded that the evidence supports the consumption of capsules containing all three components. He stated, "This might be a rare instance where...I might advocate for supplements..."