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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #297384
Title: Nutrients for the aging eye

Author
item RASMUSSEN, HELEN - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item JOHNSON, ELIZABETH - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Clinical Interventions in Aging
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/19/2013
Publication Date: 6/19/2013
Citation: Rasmussen, H.M., Johnson, E.J. 2013. Nutrients for the aging eye. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 8:741-748.

Interpretive Summary: The incidence of age-related eye diseases is expected to rise with the aging of the population. There is evidence that certain dietary components may provide benefit in decreasing the risk of age-related eye disease. Nutrients of interest are vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While a recent survey finds that among the baby-boomers (45-65 yrs) vision is the most important of the five senses, well over half of those surveyed were not aware of the important nutrients that play a key role in eye health. This is made further evident by a national survey that finds that intakes of these key nutrients from dietary sources are below the recommendations or guidelines. Therefore, it is important to educate this population and to create an awareness of the nutrients and foods of particular interest to the prevention of age-related eye disease.

Technical Abstract: The incidence of age-related eye diseases is expected to rise with the aging of the population. Oxidation and inflammation are implicated in the etiology of these diseases. There is evidence that dietary antioxidants and anti-inflammatories may provide benefit in decreasing the risk of age-related eye disease. Nutrients of interest are vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While a recent survey finds that among the baby-boomers (45-65 yrs) vision is the most important of the five sense, well over half of those surveyed were not aware of the important nutrient that play a key role in eye health. This is evident by a national survey that finds that intakes of these key nutrients from dietary sources are below the recommendations or guidelines. Therefore, it is important to educate this population and to create an awareness of the nutrients and foods of particular interest in the prevention of age-related eye disease.