by Le Ma, Xiao-Ming Lin, et al.
We aimed to examine the effect of different doses of lutein supplementation on visual function in subjects with long-term computer display light exposure.
Thirty-seven healthy subjects with long-term computer display light exposure ranging in age from 22 to 30 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group L6 (6 mg lutein/day, n 12); Group L12 (12 mg lutein/day, n 13); and Group Placebo (maltodextrin placebo, n 12).
Levels of serum lutein and visual performance indices such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity were measured at weeks 0 and 12. [Contrast sensitivity is ability to distinguish an object from its background. Glare sensitivity is ability to see objects in the presence of bright light.]
After 12-week lutein supplementation, serum lutein concentrations of Groups L6 and L12 increased from 0-356 (SD 0-117) to 0-607 (SD 0-176) mol/l, and from 0-328 (SD 0-120) to 0-733 (SD 0-354) mol/l, respectively. No statistical changes from baseline were observed in uncorrected visual acuity and best-spectacle corrected visual acuity, whereas:
• There was a trend toward increase in visual acuity in Group L12.
• Contrast sensitivity in Groups L6 and L12 increased with supplementation, and statistical significance was reached at most visual angles of Group L12.
• No significant change was observed in glare sensitivity over time.
Visual function in healthy subjects who received the lutein supplement improved, especially in contrast sensitivity, suggesting that a higher intake of lutein may have beneficial effects on the visual performance.
British Journal of Nutrition, Feb 19, 2009.
