Supplementation with Lutein and Zeaxanthin improves macular tissue health and improves color vision

Humans (and some other primates) see color differences through an interaction between three types of color sensing cone cells located in the retina of the eye. It was found that giving individuals the carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin not only improved the thickness of the macular tissue pigment but also improved the ability to discern the differences between the red and green spectrum of vision (but had no effect on yellow/blue). In this study it was found that Lutein and Zeaxanthin improve macular pigment density and improve color vision. The study was performed at the Applied Vision Research Center, City University, London, and is published in the October 6th, 2005 issue of the journal Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics: the journal of the British College of Optometrists

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

These drugs can accelerate heart rate, cause palpitations, lead to changes in blood pressure and pulse rate, cause angina and cardiac arrhythmias, increase anxiety, and agitation; it is not a stretch to consider that they may have serious consequences in isolated cases. Important Note: Parents should not discontinue the use of a drug without first consulting with the appropriate physician.

Diets lacking DHA in time increase the risk of depression

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is one of the two important fatty acids found in fish. The other is EPA. Research is showing that DHA may be beneficial for many conditions including vision, decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's, healing nerve tissue, and for helping many psychiatric diagnoses. A previous study shows there is an inverse relationship between DHA and depression and that being rich in DHA helps with depression.

In this study researchers checked the fatty acid content in the adipose tissue of 130 healthy adults aged 22 to 58. Adipose fatty acid content gives a history of habitual fatty acid intake. Adipose tissue DHA was inversely related to depression and not consuming DHA over a long term increases the risk of developing depression. The study is published in the February 8th, 2006 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.