Lutein plus vitamin A (2010) may slow vision loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa

Learn more about retinitis pigmentosa recommendations.

In a randomized, controlled, double-blind study, researchers found that supplementing with lutein and vitamin A may slow development of retinitis pigmentosa.

They found that use of a daily supplement of 12 milligrams of lutein formulated with 15,000 IU of vitamin A was linked to protection of mid-peripheral vision.

This new data suggests that 40 year olds with retinitis pigmentosa who take vitamin A plus lutein would have their mid-peripheral field for an extra 21 years when compared to people not taking the combination. Previous studies have found vitamin A slows the decline in retinal function and vision loss, and this study indicates that combining vitamin A with lutein is better.

Since there has been some concern with regard to smokers and lutein supplementation, this study looked only at non-smokers.

Published: Archives of Ophthalmology, 2010, Vol. 128, Issue 4, Pages 403-411 "Clinical Trial of Lutein in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa Receiving Vitamin A"

Researchers: E.L. Berson, B. Rosner, M.A. Sandberg, C. Weigel-DiFranco, R.J. Brockhurst, et al.