Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

Carotenoids are pigments present in fruits and vegetables. An interesting fact about carotenoids is that carotenoids exert their beneficial effects by traveling to and then concentrating in specific tissues in the body. For example, lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, travels to the prostate, where it has potent anti-cancer effects. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found in leafy greens like kale, travel to the central area of the retina (called the macula), and are the only known carotenoids located in the human visual system. Previous research has shown that these pigments are protective against age-related macular degeneration. Scientists now have evidence that these macular pigments also play important roles in visual performance.

Since our bodies can’t produce these pigments, levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina depend on the amounts consumed in the diet. 

Light must pass through lutein and zeaxanthin before being transmitted to photoreceptor cells that will produce a message from the light to send to the brain. As light passes through, some short wavelength (blue) light is absorbed by the macular pigments. For this reason, there was a theory that macular pigments have a light-filtering function in vision.

An analysis of several studies on the subject of macular pigments and visual performance confirms this theory. The authors evaluated the evidence and concluded that lutein and zeaxanthin likely improve the following visual functions by acting as light filters:

• Discomfort glare – For example, experiencing bright light after being in a dark room. The wavelengths that macular pigments are capable of absorbing produce the least discomfort, suggesting that macular pigments protect the eye from this overstimulation by filtering the light.

• Disability glare – Subjects with higher levels of macular pigment show improved visibility of objects in the presence of glare.

• Photostress recovery – Elevated macular pigment values decrease the time necessary to recover vision following exposure to bright light.

• Contrast – Macular pigments increase visibility and edge definition of objects in the atmosphere, possibly by absorbing blue sky light.

Rich sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include kale, spinach, turnip greens, swiss chard, and collards.

Reference:

Stringham JM et al. The Influence of Dietary Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Visual Performance. Journal of Food Science 2009

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Published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, a new 10-year analysis of more than 77,000 adults, men and women ages 50 to 76, revealed long term use of high-dose beta carotene supplements may heighten the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers. Scientists used questionnaires to assess participants’ intake of dietary supplements and then tracked them for the next four years. These findings mirror a 2007 study showing vitamin C and E and folate supplements do not decrease the risk of lung cancer; ScienceDaily explains.

According to Dr. Fuhrman high-dose beta carotene supplements interfere with the absorption of antioxidants, like carotenoids and other antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. This can increase cancer-risk. That’s why Dr. Fuhrman’s formulates his vitamins without beta carotene.

But getting beta carotene from veggies is just fine! Foods like carrots, mangos and oranges, as well as leafy greens like cabbage, Bok Choy and broccoli are loaded with beta carotene and other health-protecting antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Vitamins aren’t magic pills! Previous reports show vitamins alone can’t prevent heart disease or prostate cancer, i.e. a bacon cheese burger with a side of Centrum Silver isn’t healthy.

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