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Effect of lutein and antioxidant dietary supplementation on contrast sensitivity in age-related macular disease: a randomized controlled trial

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 61, pages 1121–1127 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of lutein combined with vitamin and mineral supplementation on contrast sensitivity in people with age-related macular disease (ARMD).

Design:

A prospective, 9-month, double-masked randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Aston University, Birmingham, UK and a UK optometric clinical practice.

Subjects:

Age-related maculopathy (ARM) and atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) participants were randomized (using a random number generator) to either placebo (n=10) or active (n=15) groups. Three of the placebo group and two of the active group dropped out.

Interventions:

The active group supplemented daily with 6 mg lutein combined with vitamins and minerals. The outcome measure was contrast sensitivity (CS) measured using the Pelli–Robson chart, for which the study had 80% power at the 5% significance level to detect a change of 0.3 log units.

Results:

The CS score increased by 0.07±0.07 and decreased by 0.02±0.18 log units for the placebo and active groups, respectively. The difference between these values is not statistically significant (z=−0.903, P=0.376).

Conclusion:

The results suggest that 6 mg of lutein supplementation in combination with other antioxidants is not beneficial for this group. Further work is required to establish optimum dosage levels.

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Acknowledgements

The project was sponsored by the UK College of Optometrists. Intervention and placebo tablets were provided by Quest Vitamins Ltd UK.

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  1. Opthalmic Research Group, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, UK

    H E Bartlett & F Eperjesi

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  1. H E Bartlett
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Correspondence to H E Bartlett.

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Guarantor: HE Bartlett.

Contributors: HEB and FE contributed to the design of the trial, statistical analyses, and preparation of the manuscript. HEB collected the data. HEB and FE read and approved the final manuscript.

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Bartlett, H., Eperjesi, F. Effect of lutein and antioxidant dietary supplementation on contrast sensitivity in age-related macular disease: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 61, 1121–1127 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602626

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