Lutein: Retinitis pigmentosa

 

Indication: Retinitis pigmentosa

 

Source: Arch Ophthalmol, April 2010; 128(4):403-411.

 

Research: Researches set out to determine whether lutein supplementation would slow visual function decline in patients with retinitis pigmentosa receiving vitamin A. For this randomized, controlled, double-masked trial of 225 nonsmoking patients, aged 18 to 60 years, researchers evaluated them over a 4-year interval. Patients received 12 mg of lutein or a control tablet daily. And all were given 15,000 IU per day of vitamin A palmitate. Randomization took into account genetic type and baseline serum lutein level.

 

Results: The researchers believe lutein supplementation of 12 mg per day slowed loss of midperipheral visual field on average among nonsmoking adults with retinitis pigmentosa taking vitamin A.