(External News) Supplement developed to help slow AMD

29 June 2009

A supplement has been developed that slows the progression of the world’s leading cause of blindness.

The five year clinical study into age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was undertaken by researchers at Queen’s University in Belfast and Waterford Institute of Technology.

The study found a high intake of lutein and zeaxanthin preserved the quality of macular pigments and slowed down the progression of the disease. Participants who were given a placebo showed a steady decline.

Dr Stephen Beatty (Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Waterford Regional Hospital, and lecturer at Waterford Institute of Technology), said: "The results of the CARMA study show that a daily intake of 12mg lutein and zeaxanthin, together with co-antioxidants, preserves the quality of the macular pigment and had beneficial effects on visual performance and morphological progression of the disease.

AMD cannot be cured yet, but our present state of knowledge suggests that a high intake of lutein and zeaxanthin can have a positive impact on the prevention of the disease. Therefore, the eye-specific carotenoids are a central topic in AMD research", Dr Beatty added.

The study consisted of 433 Irish patients, with an average age of 77. The supplement is called CARMA and contains vitamins C, E and zinc, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin.