A study that measured blood serum levels of various antioxidants was conducted by Japanese researchers. It is commonly known that lutein is only one element in the carotenoid family. This study aimed to evaluate which one or ones were most critical in fighting against macular degeneration. The basic method of the study was to compare blood levels of one group who had AMD and another group who did not have AMD.
Macular degeneration mainly comes in two forms. This disease can lead to serious conditions when it advances. But one point is clear that AMD mostly occurs in old people. The study found that antioxidants levels had no direct relation with macular degeneration in young people. The disease in young individuals is probably caused by generics. It is age-related macular degeneration that is closely associated with antioxidant levels.
In addition to lutein, there are many other antioxidants including tocopherol, retinol, beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha and beta carotene, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Lutein has been widely advocated to be beneficial to the eyes. But this study found that only the blood levels of total carotenoids that mattered, rather than the blood level of single lutein. The result showed that the group with AMD had low blood level of total carotenoids.
Actually, other beneficial antioxidants should also be included. And these antioxidants should be taken in different amounts. The mixed amount suggested by experts is 5000IU per day. Lutein does nothing harmful to the health of the body. But lutein alone can not be enough.
One disappointing fact is that many nutrient supplements sold on the market are synthetic. These antioxidants contained in some supplements are not natural ingredients. Antioxidants used by various studies are natural ones. Researchers usually use spinach as a great source of mixed carotenoids. Some other plants and vegetables are also good sources of natural nutrients. On the market, there are all natural multi-nutritional supplements that can be good alternative.
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