Supplements of natural lutein esters may reduce the risk of blindness in later life, a new study suggests. Scientists at the University Medical Centre Utrecht,in the Netherlands led by Dr. Berendschot Netherlands achieved two mainobjectives in conducting the study: They found that lutein ester supplements increased macular pigment optical density, a significant finding since the macular pigment may protect against AMD. Researchers also succeeded in completing the first study to show the effects of lutein ester supplementation using objective measurement techniques. The macular pigment isimportant because it may protect the macular region of the eye, the small central part of the retina essential for fine, detailed vision.In addition, lutein and zeaxanthin are capable of scavenging free radicals that can contribute to disease and aging.
