Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Long-term use of vitamin E supplements, as well as increased intake of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and/or thiamin (vitamin B1), may help reduce the progression of age-related lens opacification.

Lens opacification (or clouding) is caused by the disruption of the transmission of light through the eye lens due to damage to the lens cells.  When the opacification creates a reduction in visual acuity, it is referred to as a cataract.   Studies suggest that oxidation is responsible for much of the damage to the lens and that antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, might protect the lens against formation of cataract.

Researchers conducted a five-year study of 408 women from the Nurses’ Health Study, aged 52 to 74 years at baseline. The women’s nutrient intake was calculated from five food frequency questionnaires collected over a 13- to 15-year period.  During this time the duration of vitamin supplement use was assessed using seven questionnaires.  At the end of this period the degree of nuclear density was determined.

Women who never supplemented with vitamin E had a 42% higher risk of getting cataracts than women who had supplemented vitamin E for 10 years.

Researchers concluded that long-term use of vitamin E supplements and higher riboflavin and/or thiamin intake may reduce the progression of age-related lens opacification.

Where can you find good sources of these vitamins?

• Vitamin E can be found in almonds, asparagus, avocado, nuts, olives, red palm oil, seeds, spinach and other leafy vegetables, wheat germ, and milk
• Riboflavin is found naturally in asparagus, bananas, okra, chard, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, eggs and fish.
• Foods rich in thiamin include yeast, oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain flour (rye or wheat), asparagus, kale, cauliflower, potatoes, oranges, liver (beef or pork), and eggs.

Learn more about cataracts, including recommended vitamins and supplements

Source:  Jacques, et al, Long-term Nutrient Intake and 5-Year Change in Nuclear Lens Opacities, Arch Ophthalmol. 2005;123:517-526.

Can something as easy as taking a daily multi-vitamin help prevent cataracts? Researchers believe it can!

An analysis of Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) data has found that consistent use of a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement may delay the progression of age-related lens opacities.  Lens opacities in the form of cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world today.

Of the 4596 participants enrolled in the AREDS cataract trial, approximately two-thirds elected to take a multi-vitamin supplement containing RDA-recommended levels of vitamins and minerals.

Subjects were assessed for development or progression of lens opacities via lens photographs at baseline and at annual visits beginning at year 2.  Statistics were collected on changes in amounts of nuclear, cortical, or posterior subcapsular opacity, or the performance of cataract surgery.

Researchers found the risk of development of or progression to any cataract was reduced by 16% in regular multi-vitamin takers. For nuclear cataract, a 25% risk reduction was observed in the multi-supplement users.

Read more about cataracts, including recommended vitamins and supplements

SOURCE:  “Centrum Use and Progression of Age-Related Cataract in AREDS”, AREDS Research Group, Ophthalmol 113:1264-0, 2006.