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May, 2010

New Study: Lutein plus vitamin A may slow vision loss for those with Retinitis Pigmentosa

A daily supplement of lutein in combination with vitamin A may slow vision loss associated with retinitis pigmentosa, according to the results of a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

Writing in the Archives of Ophthalmology, American scientists report that a daily supplement containing 12 milligrams of lutein in combination with 15,000 International Units of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) was associated with a preservation of mid-peripheral vision.

The new data indicates that 40 year olds with the condition who take the vitamin A plus lutein combination would not be expected to lose their mid-peripheral field until the age of 61, which would represent a significant improvement as compared to those 51 years of age not taking supplements of the carotenoid.

Previous studies had found that taking vitamin A slows the decline in retinal function and vision loss.

No toxicity concerns were recorded during the study, and the researchers noted that only non-smokers took part in their study. Berson and his co-workers stated that there has been concern for smokers taking long-term lutein supplementation.

Source: Archives of Ophthalmology, 2010, Vol. 128, Issue 4, Pages 403-411 "Clinical Trial of Lutein in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa Receiving Vitamin A" Authors: E.L. Berson, B. Rosner, M.A. Sandberg, C. Weigel-DiFranco, R.J. Brockhurst, et al.

See our whole food Advanced Eye and Vision Support Formula with Lutein

Prototype Bionic Eye Unveiled

Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) has unveiled its wide-view neurostimulator concept � a prototype bionic eye that will be implanted into Australia's first recipient of the technology. BVA says that the prototype will deliver improved quality of life for patients suffering from degenerative vision loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.

The implant, which consists of a miniature camera mounted on glasses that captures visual input, transforms it into electrical signals that directly stimulate surviving neurons in the retina. This is currently undergoing testing. Says BVA, "The device will enable recipients to perceive points of light in the visual field that the brain can then reconstruct into an image."

Source: www.bionicvision.org.au

Clinical Trial for Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment Now Enrolling Participants

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University announced that the Ranibizumab for Edema of the macula in Diabetes � Protocol 3 with High Dose Study (READ 3 Study) has begun enrolling participants and will evaluate the safety and efficacy of injections of an antibody treatment in people with diabetic macular edema (DME).

Walnuts slow prostate cancer growth

A new study suggests that mice with prostate tumors should say "nuts to cancer." Paul Davis of the University of California, Davis, hopes follow-up data by his team and others will one day justify men saying the same.

Most nuts in reasonable amounts can benefit the heart. But among walnuts� special attributes were their ability to fight inflammation, an underlying cause of much heart disease, and to allow vessels to dilate as needed.

Inflammation also plays a role in many cancers. Davis notes that walnuts can tinker with production of endothelin, a protein not only related to blood pressure control but also to helping regulate prostate growth.

When asked what constituents of walnuts might be slowing tumor growth, Davis said "I suspect it�s a combination of things." He pointed to the omega-3 fatty acids, such as alpha linolenic acid, together with minerals, other trace nutrients � perhaps even some of the proteins.

New study questions benefits of elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy

Removal of the ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) while performing a hysterectomy is common practice to prevent the subsequent development of ovarian cancer. This prophylactic procedure is performed in 55% of all U.S. women having a hysterectomy, or approximately 300,000 times each year. An article in the March/April issue of The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology suggests that this procedure may do more harm than good (see also Elsevier Health Sciences).

Postmenopausal ovaries continue to produce significant amounts of the androgens testosterone and androstenedione, which are converted to estrogen. Estrogen deficiency has been associated with higher risks of coronary artery disease and hip fracture, and neurologic conditions. Although approximately 15,000 U.S. women die each year of ovarian cancer, 350,000 women die of coronary artery disease. Therefore reducing a woman's risk of ovarian cancer with oophorectomy may be outweighed by increased risks of coronary artery disease and neurologic conditions.

William H. Parker, MD, of the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, claims that, on balance, removal of the ovaries is not generally warranted for all women undergoing hysterectomy. In women not at high risk for development of ovarian or breast cancer, removing the ovaries at the time of hysterectomy should be approached with caution.

Sjogren's Syndrome Diagnosis Frequently Overlooked or Misdiagnosed

Results from a recent survey of 400 Sjogren's syndrome patients showed that half of those surveyed experienced common symptoms such as dry mouth or dry eyes for three or more years before receiving an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional.

The survey also found that a lack of patient-physician dialogue about symptoms such as dry mouth contribute to delayed diagnosis. "Sjogren's syndrome symptoms are often similar to other serious conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, or can be mistaken for signs of the natural aging process, so healthcare professionals have a lot to consider when making a diagnosis," said Michael Brennan, DDS, MHS, Director of the Sjogren's Syndrome and Salivary Disorders Center at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Additionally, diagnosing the condition is challenging because patients often try to cope with symptoms of the disease without talking with a doctor.

Editor's Notes: Supplementing with certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome. For more information, see Sjogren's Syndrome Information.

More Good News About Chocolate

An article published online on March 31, 2010 in the European Heart Journal reveals more good news for chocolate lovers: consuming as little as a square of chocolate per day could help reduce the risk.

Participants whose chocolate intake ranked among the highest 25 percent at an average of 7.5 grams per day had lower blood pressure and a significantly reduced risk of experiencing heart attack or stroke compared to subjects whose intake was lowest at 1.7 grams per day.

The French Paradox About Heart Disease

The so-called French paradox is the phenomenon of low rates of heart disease in a country known for its high intake of fatty foods. Recent research suggests that one of the reasons French people are protected from heart disease is a high intake of quercetin, a potent antioxidant and polyphenol found in red wine (Kuhlman CR et al 2005). Numerous studies have examined quercetin and found it to be both a powerful antioxidant and a stimulator of nitric oxide, which inhibits endothelial proliferation, a hallmark of atherosclerosis (Kuhlman CR et al 2005).

Editor's Note: Quercitin also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, and taken with Bromelain can help with autoimmune inflammatory responses as well as seasonal and chronic allergies.

Health and Peace

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