Long-term intake of Vitamin C or C with E, Beta-Carotene and Zinc reduces the risk of cataract

     Free radical damage is implicated in the formation of cataracts. Long-term intake of antioxidants may therefore protect us from developing cataracts. To test the theory 2464 individuals at least 49 years of age were followed for 10 years as part of the Blue Mountains Eye Study. The lens of their eyes was photographed at predetermined intervals and their diet was followed for antioxidant content.

     Participants with the highest intake of Vitamin C when adding diet and supplementation had a 45% drop in the risk of developing nuclear cataracts. A higher intake of Vitamins C, and E, Beta-Carotene, and Zinc reduced the risk of developing nuclear cataracts by 49%. The study is published in the June 2008 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.