Effect of lutein and antioxidant dietary supplementation on contrast sensitivity in age-related macular disease: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to determine the effect of lutein combined with vitamin and mineral supplementation on contrast sensitivity in people with age-related macular disease (ARMD).


METHODS
A prospective, 9-month, double-masked randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Aston University, Birmingham, UK and a UK optometric clinical practice.


METHODS
Age-related maculopathy (ARM) and atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) participants were randomized (using a random number generator) to either placebo (n=10) or active (n=15) groups. Three of the placebo group and two of the active group dropped out.


METHODS
The active group supplemented daily with 6 mg lutein combined with vitamins and minerals. The outcome measure was contrast sensitivity (CS) measured using the Pelli-Robson chart, for which the study had 80% power at the 5% significance level to detect a change of 0.3 log units.


RESULTS
The CS score increased by 0.07+/-0.07 and decreased by 0.02+/-0.18 log units for the placebo and active groups, respectively. The difference between these values is not statistically significant (z=-0.903, P=0.376).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that 6 mg of lutein supplementation in combination with other antioxidants is not beneficial for this group. Further work is required to establish optimum dosage levels.
Bartlett
H E
HE
Opthalmic Research Group, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, UK. H.E.Bartlett@aston.ac.uk
Eperjesi
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000975:Antioxidants; D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins; D014975:Lutein