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Tag Archives: Anti-Oxidants
Smokers most at risk of eyesight loss from ageing
New York: Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But smokers may not benefit from antioxidant vitamin supplements, say experts.
Emily Chew, MD, Deputy Director, Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States, said patients who smoke and take beta carotene supplements have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
In a presentation to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Dr Chew outlined which patients should and should not take supplements. In a recent study more than 4,700 patients who received supplements of vitamin C and E, beta carotene, zinc and copper and were followed for 6.3 years.
The results of the study showed that while there was a protective benefit for patients with large bilateral macular drusen and those with advanced AMD in one eye, there was no protective benefit for patients with mild and moderate AMD. The supplements did not prevent progression to severe AMD in these patients.
Dr Chew pointed out, however, that the risk of developing AMD in these patients is “exceedingly low,” and therefore, it is unlikely that they would progress to severe AMD.
According to Dr Chew, patients who still smoke, or quit smoking within the past year should avoid the supplements because of the increased risk of cancer. Nor should the offspring of patients with AMD take the supplements, unless they too have AMD in one eye, or large bilateral drusen.
But for most individuals, the benefits of the supplements seem to outweigh any risks. Recently, a meta-analysis of 68 trials reported no significant impact associated with a wide variety of antioxidant supplements. More study is needed, Dr Chew said
Dr Chew concluded that the public health impact of this supplementation regimen could prevent 300,000 people over the next 5 years from either developing advanced macular degeneration or experiencing significant loss of vision as a result of progressive disease.
Antioxidants do not prevent degenerative eye disease
Melbourne: A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals does not seem to prevent the degenerative eye disease known as age related macular published on www.bmj.com today.
Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual loss in older people. It is caused by the progressive break down of light sensitive cells in the macula, located in the centre of the retina at the back of the eye. Sufferers do not go blind, but find it virtually impossible to read, drive, or do tasks requiring fine, sharp, central vision.
Risk increases with age and smokers are thought to be more susceptible.
Antioxidants (such as vitamin C, vitamin E, various types of carotenoids, and zinc) are thought to reduce oxidative damage to the retina. But the evidence to support the role of dietary antioxidants in preventing macular degeneration remains unclear.
So researchers at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, the University of Melbourne analysed the evidence to examine the role of dietary antioxidants or dietary supplements in the primary prevention of age related macular degeneration.
They identified 11 studies (seven prospective studies and three randomised controlled trials) involving 149,203 people. A range of common dietary antioxidants were investigated and all the studies were carried out amongst well nourished Western populations with an average follow-up period of nine years.
Importantly, all the studies adjusted for age and smoking in their analyses.
The antioxidants investigated differed across studies, but when results were pooled they showed that vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, α- carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene have little or no effect in the primary prevention of early age-related macular degeneration.
None of the three trials found antioxidant supplements to be protective in the primary prevention of early age related macular degeneration.
Despite some study limitations, the authors conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the role of dietary antioxidants, including the use of dietary antioxidant supplements, for the primary prevention of early age-related macular degeneration.
Currently, cigarette smoking remains the only widely accepted modifiable risk factor for the primary prevention of early age-related macular degeneration, and patients seeking advice on this condition should be encouraged to quit, they add.
An accompanying editorial by Jennifer Evans at the International Centre for Eye Health supports these findings and says that reducing the prevalence of smoking is probably the most effective method of reducing the population burden of this common cause of visual loss in older people.
The Top 100 Foods for a Younger You! – ELIXIR reader discount
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Foods can be powerful weapons in the battle against many of the visible effects of ageing, such as wrinkles, and also those you can’t see, such as damage to the heart and eyes, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Choosing the right foods will help to protect against such conditions as well as strengthening your immune system, increasing your resistance to colds and other infections, and also boosting your energy levels and improving physical and mental performance.
Ageing is inevitable but ageing well is an art. If you want to stay fitter, live longer, feel better and look younger in later life, now is the time to invest in your future good health. With recipes for each, Sarah Merson reveals 100 tried- and-tested foods which will keep you looking and feeling fabulous.
Sarah Merson is a freelance writer who specializes in alternative health and nutrition and is the author of The Top 100 Traditional Remedies (DBP 2006). She also works for the Natural College of Naturopathic Medicine in the U
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Beer may contain anti-cancer compound
Oregon:Most beers contain a unique compound which inhibit cancer causing enzymes.
Scientists at Oregon State University say the substance found in hops called xanthohumol can help the body detoxify carcinogens and inhibit tumour growth. It also appears to be a powerful antioxidant with the ability to reduce bad cholesterol.
Most beers are low in hops, except for porters, ales and stouts. As a result a ‘health beer’ with enhanced levels of the compound is being developed. ‘
Fred Stevens, one of the Oregon researchers said that they could not definitively say that beer prevented cancer.
But he added: ‘Most beer has low levels of this compound, and its absorption in the body is limited. We need to discover how to increase the levels or use it as a nutritional supplement.’
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