Lutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: A 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of long-term antioxidant supplementation (lutein and a-tocopherol) on serum levels and visual performance in patients with cataracts. METHODS: Seventeen patients clinically diagnosed with age-related cataracts were randomized in; a double-blind study involving dietary supplementation with lutein (15 mg; n = 5), a-tocopherol (100 mg; n = 6), or placebo (n = 6), three times a week for up to 2 y. Serum carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations were determined with quality-controlled high-performance liquid chromatography, and visual performance (visual activity and glare sensitivity) and biochemical and hematologic, indexes monitored every 3 mo throughout the study. Changes in these parameters were assessed by General Linear Model (GLM) repeated measures analysis. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of lutein and alpha-tocopherol increased with supplementation, although statistical significance was reached only in the lutein group. Visual performance (visual acuity. and glare sensitivity) improved in the lutein group, whereas there was a trend toward the maintenance of and decrease in visual acuity with alpha-tocopherol and placebo supplementation, respectively. No significant side., effects or-changes,in,biochemical or hematologic profiles were-observed in any of:the subjects during the, study. CONCLUSIONS: Visual function in patients with age-related cataracts who received the lutein supplements improved, suggesting, that a higher intake of lutein, through lutein-rich fruit and vegetables or supplements, may have beneficial effects! on the visual performance of people with age-related cataracts (C)Elsevier Science Inc. 2003.