Facts about Vitamin E Information
Information on Vitamin C Facts
And Benefits of Lutein
Against Free Radicals

Facts About Vitamin E Information #1:  Some facts about Vitamin E information found in animal studies were that supplements of vitamin E slowed the rate at which cataracts form.

Facts About Vitamin E Information #2:  In several studies in people, notably the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the Beaver Dam (Wisconsin) Eye Study and the Lens Opacities Case-Control Study, higher rates of cataracts occurred among people whose intake of vitamin E from their diets or supplements was low.

Facts About Vitamin E Information #3:  An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on Nov. 8, 1994, reported regular use of multivitamins or vitamin E supplements may decrease the risk of cataract formation.

Facts About Vitamin E Information #4:  An article in the May 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology reported that cataract risk was reduced by one-third in regular users of multivitamin supplements and by one-half in regular users of vitamin E.

Information on Vitamin C Facts #1:  Information on Vitamin C, another antioxidant found in the lens, has prevented cataracts in experimental animals.

Information on Vitamin C Facts #2:  According to a report in EyeWorld Week on Feb. 9, 1998, women who took vitamin C for more than 10 years had a markedly reduced risk of cataracts.

Information on Vitamin C Facts #3:  A Tufts University study reported that vitamin C supplements may reduce the risk by 77 percent.

Information on Vitamin C Facts Note:  But for both vitamins E and C, it is not possible to say for sure that the vitamins themselves were protective and not simply a reflection of a healthier way of life that protects eyes from age-related damage.

Benefits of Lutein Fact #1:  The benefits of lutein are that they may help prevent cataracts through its ability to absorb damaging ultraviolet light, blocking oxidative damage.

Benefits of Lutein Fact #2:  Perhaps even more important, these carotenoids may prevent and even partly reverse otherwise untreatable damage to the macula, the area in the center of the retina that allows people to see whatever is in the center of their visual fields.

Benefits of Lutein Fact #3:  The benefits of Lutein and zeaxanthin are most prominent in dark green leafy vegetables, especially kale, collard greens, spinach and turnip greens. Some experts on low vision now recommend eating half a cup of one of these cooked vegetables daily to prevent development or progression of macular degeneration.

Benefits of Lutein Fact #4:  An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on Nov. 8, 1994, reported that findings support the possibility that increased intake of dietary antioxidants; specifically the benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration. They may work by filtering out visible blue light, which theoretically can cause photic damage to the retina.

Benefits of Lutein Note:  It is unclear whether a cause-and-effect relationship exists between the dietary intake of carotenoids and their absorption in the body. More research is needed to determine the functions of lutein and zeaxanthin and their potential role in preventing macular degeneration.