Be cautious of certain supplements
For those with advanced stages of macular degeneration, supplements may be used as part of the treatment. Reaching for a supplement bottle to protect your eyesight instead of making healthy food choices may not be the best strategy.
In a large age-related eye-disease study, subjects with advanced macular degeneration benefitted from a combination of high doses of certain antioxidants - vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and zinc. But there was no observed benefit in the disease's early stages. A longer study period might reveal if supplements would prevent the disease or protect against progression from early stages to advanced ones.
Smokers beware
Opting for high-dose antioxidant supplements? Those most at risk of macular degeneration are smokers. Smokers and former smokers shouldn't take large doses of beta-carotene supplements; they are linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in this group. It could be harmful for those with diabetes or vascular disease to take large doses of vitamin E -- it may lead to an increased risk of heart failure.
If you plan to get your lutein and zeaxanthin from supplements, be aware that scientists haven't reached a consensus on the benefits or risks of taking these purely as supplements, especially in high dosages. Studies are still needed to confirm if there are other compounds in these lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods at work protecting the eyes. For now, eat your veggies knowing the good they're doing for you.
Rosie Schwartz, RD, is a Toronto-based consulting dietitian.
Veggies for optimal vision
Looking to add some lutein and zeaxanthin to your diet? Start with some of these flavourful veggies.
Lutein plus zeaxanthin content of selected foods in one-cup (250 millilitre) portion* (in micrograms)
Cooked kale = 23,720
Cooked spinach = 20,354
Cooked collards = 14,619
Cooked turnip greens = 12,154
Cooked mustard greens = 8,347
Cooked squash or zucchini = 4,048
Frozen or boiled corn
(off the cob, yellow, sweet) = 1,197
Boiled peas, edible-pod = 1,123
Boiled carrots = 1,072
From USDA National Nutrient Database
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 | This article was first printed in the February/March 2007 issue of Homemakers Magazine. Click to subscribe online and never miss an issue. |
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