Out of the over 17 million Americans who have symptoms of macular degeneration, 2 million are already blind.
Studies have consistently shown that folks who take higher levels of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin had either cut their risk for developing macular degeneration in half, or if they already had it actually improved or reversed their visual dysfunction and macular pigment density.
As well, they cut their risk of cataracts.
How much more data do we need?
References:
Moeller SM, et al, Associations between intermediate age-related macular degeneration and lutein and zeaxanthin in the Carotenoids in Age-related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS): ancillary study of the Women’s Health Initiative, Arch Ophthalmol, 124; 8:1151-62, Aug 2006
Richer S, et al, Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and anti¬oxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Sup¬plementation Trial), Optometry 75; 4: 216-30, Apr 2004
Before prescribing treatment, FMU recommends that you follow the standard of care of your profession, as well as confirm the information contained herein with other sources.
Functional medicine embraces the totality of the regulatory functions of the body. It encompasses all of the biophysical, biochemical, enzymatic, endocrine, immunological, and bioenergetic regulatory capacities.
Dr. Ron Grisanti, D.C., D.A.C.B.O., M.S., D.A.C.B.N.