Two nutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, found in eggs, spinach and
other leafy green vegetables offer some protection against the most
common cause of blindness among the elderly, media reported
Thursday.
A 6-year study in U.S. asked about the dietary habits of 4,519
people aged 60 to 80 when enrolled.
Those in the top fifth of dietary consumption of foods
containing the two nutrients had 35 percent less chance of
developing the condition compared to those in the lowest fifth of
consumption.
"Lutein and zeaxanthin may be considered as useful agents in
food or supplement-based interventions designed to reduce the risk
of AMD," said the researchers.
Lutein and zeaxanthin help ward off the condition, apparently by
allowing the eyes to filter harmful short-wavelength light and by
curtailing other damaging effects to the macula, or the center of
the eye's retina.
"No clear associations with other nutrients were seen,"
including the vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, according to the
researchers, led by John Paul SanGiovanni of the National Eye
Institute, one of the National Institutes of Health in Maryland,
U.S.
Foods considered good sources of the nutrients include eggs,
spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce,
broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas and Brussels sprouts.
(Agencies via Xinhuanet.com September 14, 2007)