A possible role for vitamin C in age-related cataract.
While many experimental studies have shown a protective effect of vitamin C in age-related cataract, other studies have revealed contrasting roles for this nutrient. Oxidative damage in the lens can be prevented by vitamin C. However, a pro-oxidant effect of vitamin C through H2O2 generation has been suggested. Vitamin C has also been shown to play a role in protein glycation, which is observed in cataract formation. A protective effect of dietary energy restriction appears to be inversely related to plasma vitamin C levels in rodents. Moreover, conclusions from human epidemiological and intervention studies are not uniform. The available evidence suggests that maintenance of sufficient plasma vitamin C is needed to prevent oxidative damage in the lens. More research will be needed in order to confirm the relative importance of of the different roles of vitamin C in the eye lens.
van der Pols
J C
JC
Medical Research Council Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge, UK. jolieke.vanderpols@mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D016877:Oxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D018384:Oxidative Stress
D000975:Antioxidants; D016877:Oxidants; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D001205:Ascorbic Acid