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June, 2010

New Study Suggests Role of High Cholesterol in Macular Degeneration Risk

This new study shows that cholesterol biosynthesis could be involved in age-related macular degeneration, and supports data from other studies that have indicated a role for cholesterol in the pathology that leads to a major cause of visual impairment.

"Until more is known, people should strive to live a healthy lifestyle", Dr. Seddon (lead researcher) said. "People should lower their total cholesterol because we know that higher cholesterol is related to increased AMD risk, refrain from smoking, and eat healthy foods, such as dark leafy vegetables, spinach, collard greens, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Source: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2010 Annual Meeting: Abstract 2475. Presented May 4, 2010.

Why Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eye Health

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants used both in the retina and lens of the eyes. They help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, and also act as filters for our eyes helping to protect them against sun damage. These nutrients filter out blue light from the sun.

Zeaxanthin predominates at the macula lutea (an oval-shaped highly pigmented yellow spot near the center of the retina) while lutein predominates elsewhere in the retina.

Just supplementing for example with 6 mg of lutein per day can reduce the likelihood of onset of macular degeneration by 57%, as reported in one study done by Dr. Johanna Seddon. Both lutein and zeaxanthin are essential nutrients in helping protect vision as well for those with macular degeneration.

A 2007 study showed that women who got the most lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin E were 18% less likely to get cataracts. Archives of Ophthalmology (Arch. Ophthalmol. 2008;126:102-9) gathered from the Women�s Health Study.

Lutein is a xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally-occurring carotenoids. Rich food sources of zeaxanthin and lutein include dark, leafy greens (like turnip greens, collard greens, kale, spinach and romaine lettuce), as well as broccoli, corn, Brussels sprouts, zucchini and peas. Orange peppers contain the highest amounts of zeaxanthin. Eggs are a good source of lutein as well.

Editor's Note: See a great source of natural lutein and zeaxanthin.

Dietary Protein May Reduce Hip Fractures in the Elderly

The Framingham Osteoporosis Study found that seniors who consume a higher level of dietary protein are less likely to suffer hip fractures than seniors whose daily dietary protein intake is less, according to a new study by the Institute for Aging Research of Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Hannan, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends that older women consume at least 46 grams of protein per day, and that older men consume at least 56 grams of protein daily. This can come from both animal sources (meal, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt) and plants (legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables).

Zeaxanthin Supplementation Can Improve Visual Acuity for those with Macular Degeneration

Study shows supplementing with zeaxanthin (a carotenoid in the lutein family) can raises macula pigment optical density (MP) and has unique visual benefits for patients with atrophic early AMD having visual symptoms.

Zeaxanthin can be found in dark, leafy greens (like turnip greens, collard greens, kale, spinach and romaine lettuce). Orange peppers are the highest source of zeaxanthin.

The Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study in Atrophic Age Related Macular Degeneration (ZVF-FDA IND #78,973) - MP and Foveal Shape Discrimination: S.P. Richer1, W. Stiles1, M. Lavin, K. Graham1, C. Thomas1, D. Park3. J. Nyland1, J Wrobel

Editor's Note: Our Advanced Eye and Vision Support (whole food) Formula contains 6 mg of lutein and 12 mg of zeaxanthin per 2 capsules, along with a wide range of other essential nutrients for the eyes.

Age-related macular degeneration linked to new gene

In an analysis of the genes of more than 1,000 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an international team of scientists discovered a strong association between the vision problem and the presence of a new gene.

The new gene connection is with hepatic lipase gene LIPC, a critical enzyme in the metabolism of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The study also noted strong associations between advanced AMD and other single nucleotide polymorphisms in the same lipid pathway, but the other finding showed a much stronger, genome-wide significance.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration Identifies a New Susceptibility Locus in the Lipid Metabolism Pathway, Hepatic Lipase (LIPC).

Curcumin nanoparticles 'open up' resistant cancers

Pre-treatment with curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric, makes ovarian cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This can also result in being able to lower the dose of cisplatin and radiation treatment needed to suppress the growth of the cancer cells.

Subhash Chauhan, PhD, and Meena Jaggi, PhD, led a team of researchers from Sanford Research and the University of South Dakota, USA, who carried out the in vitro study.

Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation

Findings reported in article published online on May 6, 2010 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (see link below) suggest that vinpocetine, a derivative of vincamine (from the periwinkle plant), could be useful for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis, infectious diseases and cancer.

Vinpocetine is a dietary supplement that has been used for many years to help prevent cerebrovascular disorders and memory loss, however, the compound's potential benefit in other disorders has not been explored.

Editor's Note: Vinpocetine is an herb that, similarly to gingko biloba, helps improve circulation. We often recommend a sublingual formula called Pure Focus which contains lutein, zeaxanthin and vinpocetine for retinal related problems, particularly to people who have poor digestion or seniors who do not absorb nutrients effectively through their digestive system.

Based on this study, it may be helpful as well for eye inflammatory problems such as macular edema and diabetic retinopathy.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Study: Heart, Not Ear, Main Source of Dizziness in Elderly

Heart disease, not inner ear problems, appears to be the most common cause of dizziness in elderly patients seen in primary care offices, Dutch researchers say.

In a cross-sectional analysis, cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of dizziness, occurring in 57% of patients, Otto R. Maarsingh, MD, of VU University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and colleagues reported in the May/June Annals of Family Medicine.

Vestibular disease appeared to be the cause in only 14% of patients, the researchers found.

The researchers found that presyncope (lightheadedness) was the most common subtype of dizziness at 69%, followed by vertigo at 41%, disequilibrium at 40%, and "other dizziness" at 2%.

The researchers noted that 44% of patients had more than one dizziness subtype, including dizziness due to medications.

Source reference: Maarsingh OR, et al "Causes of persistent dizziness in elderly patients in primary care" Ann Fam Med 2010; 8: 196-205.

Health and Peace

Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.
Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.
visionworksusa@earthlink.net
www.naturaleyecare.com
(845) 255-8222