Change your life naturally………and LOOK good – Effect of vitamins on EYE - HEALTH

VITAMIN C
People take supplements for eye health, do you think vitamins really help with eye health? May be because, most of the ophthalmologists recommend some kind of vitamins supplements especially to help prevent the progression of cataracts and ARMD (age-related macular degeneration). Based on an article published in one of the pharmacy magazine, it is thought that free radicals and oxidative stress play a major role in the development of cataracts and ARMD. That is why most supplements used to prevent ARMD and cataracts tend to be antioxidants. Although vitamin C is the most well-known antioxidant, there is little evidence to suggest that increasing vitamin C intake will help prevent cataract formation. Vitamin C-rich foods tend to be fruits and vegetables, which are excellent sources of other antioxidants, not just vitamin C. One of the major theories behind vitamin C and eye health, and all the other antioxidant vitamins, is the ability of this vitamin to scavenge from radicals caused by UV light exposure. This is thought to spare the eye’s own antioxidant defences – glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)

B vitamins:
Thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), and riboflavin (B2) appear to be helpful for eye health. One study shows that higher intakes of protein, vitamin A, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin were associated with lower risks of developing cataracts.

Selenium:
There is also some theoretical thinking that the mineral selenium might be helpful for cataracts and ARMD. This is based on the fact that Selenium is a major factor in the glutathione peroxidase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the regeneration of GSH (glutathione).

Lutein:
Lutein and its stereoismer, zexanthin, are the major carotenoid pigments found in the retina and macula. The Lutein Antioxidant Supplement Trial (LAST) showed improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity compared to placebo.

Ginkgo biloba:
Ginkgo also shows promise in helping with the complication associated with diabetic retinopathy. In one small study with 25 diabetics, significant reductions in fibrinogen concentrations and plasma viscosity were observed. Patients also showed a significant increase in retinal blood flow.

Some resources:
http://www.areds2org/
http://www.cvr.org.au/bmes.htm (Blue Mountain Eye Study)
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/carotenoids/ (lutein and carotenoids information)
google: linus lutein
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/visivite/last.pdf (LAST - Lutein Antioxidant Supplement Trial)