Lutein Protects Retina From Uv Rays

Q. I recently saw a vitamin commercial on TV that mentioned something called lutein and how it was important to the eyes. Can you tell me something about it? - M.G., Pittsburgh

A. What they’re describing is another one of those substances that has “anti-oxidant’ properties. Oxygen may be needed for life, but substances that become oxidized seem to be linked to all sorts of health problems - everything from heart disease and cancer to deterioration of the retinal tissue of the eye. The retina’s job is to turn an image of light rays into a message of sight.

In the world of metal, oxidized iron becomes rust. In the world of cells, we need anti-oxidant substances to protect our cells and keep us healthy. In a well-balanced diet, we get them through the foods we eat - especially fresh fruits and dark-green leafy veggies like spinach or collard greens, and nicely-ripened tomatoes.

Lutein is one of two pigments in the macula part of the retina - the part of the eye most responsible for detailed vision. It’s no mere coincidence that lutein is there. We need it to protect the retinal tissue against ultraviolet sun damage and the gradual deterioration that tends to occur with age called macular degeneration.

A diet high in dietary carotenoids - especially lutein, is believed to decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration - the leading cause of irreversible blindness in folks over the age of 65.

Studies to date have not firmly established a need for supplemental lutein in a pill form. Nonetheless, the most common dosage of supplemental lutein is 6mg, taken 1-2 times daily.

Q. I read somewhere that World War II British pilots ate bilberry jam or drank bilberry tea before their nighttime missions to help them see better in the dark. I have macular degeneration. Do you think it will help me see better?

- G.F., Mead

A. According to the folklore, British Royal Air Force pilots, who had to fly mostly at night to avoid detection by the German army, had been complaining that poor night vision made their missions more difficult. As the story goes, an herbalist suggested that before each night flight, British pilots eat bilberry jam or have bilberry tea. The pilots reportedly claimed that they did indeed have improved night vision.

But why? The bilberry, a cousin of blueberry and cranberry, contains antioxidants known as anthocyans, which appear to be the key to improving vision.

Just to review, the back of the eye is lined by two kinds of retinal sight cells: rods and cones. When images are focused by the lens onto those retinal cells, the message is relayed to the brain which the interprets it as vision. The rod cells give us black and white images, and work best in dim light. The cone cells of the retina give us color images, and require brighter light conditions. When you’re trying to see in the dark, the rods are giving you your sight. And you may not be aware of it, but you’re actually seeing in black and white.

So, by bilberry giving the black and white rod cells their replacement pigment, one’s night vision can theoretically be enhanced. There’s also speculation that bilberry antioxidant effects may be protective in diabetic retinal damage and even in reducing the risk of developing cataracts.

Unfortunately, there’s not a wealth of well-controlled studies to verify these claims.

Nonetheless, taking bilberry extract or enjoying its jam is completely harmless. How much to take? 240-600 mg daily in a standardized extract of 25 person anthocyanosides is suggested.

Heres a bonus, especially for my female readers: We already know that cranberry extract (300-400 mg twice daily) can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by making it difficult for the bacteria known as E. coli to adhere to the bladder wall. The vast majority of urinary tract infections are caused by E.coli. Bilberry is a cousin of the cranberry, and it too possesses similar antiadherence properties.