Age Well

Nutrients preserve vision, improve hospital recovery

Lutein slows advanced AMD

Lutein is one of the main carotenoids in the macula of the eye that is responsible for filtering damaging blue light, and for protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD); a blind spot in the center of the field of vision.

In this study, doctors evaluated 963 men and women, aged at least 73, every two years over an eight-year period, during which 54 developed advanced AMD. Those with higher circulating lutein levels were 37 percent less likely to have developed advanced AMD.

Also, those with higher lutein levels compared to total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were 41 percent less likely to develop advanced AMD.

Doctors said measuring circulating lutein levels is a good way to identify those who are deficient, and who may have higher chances of developing AMD.

Reference: Nutrients; 2021, Vol. 13, No. 6, 10.3390/nu13062047

Vitamin C helps maintain strength in hospital

Until now, doctors have focused on the lack of protein in the diet as a cause of frailty in old age. This is the first study to look at how micronutrients such as vitamin C can affect frailty.

In this study, doctors measured frailty in 160 hospitalized men and women, average age 84 years. Frailty includes measures of cognition, health status, independent living, medicines, nutrition, mood, and bodily and physical function.

Vitamin C levels were low or deficient in 61.9 percent of participants, and significantly lower in those with moderate to severe frailty scores. Doctors said 40 percent of total vitamin C in the body is present in skeletal muscle, directly affecting muscle function.

Reference: Nutrients; 2021, Vol. 13, No. 6, 10.3390/nu13062117