Eye disease cataracts In women caused by diet

Anyone who pays attention to a healthy diet rich in vitamin C can counteract the progressive clouding of the eye lens in old age. This is what the results of a study by King's College London suggest, involving 324 female twins aged 60 to 70 years old. The eye disease "Cataract" is the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. There is no drug therapy, so that the cloudy lens must finally be replaced by an artificial lens.

The subjects took part in the test at baseline and after an average of ten years. In addition, they provided questionnaires about their dietary habits and dietary supplements.

Image: Nagel's point of view - fotolia

The study showed that only one third of the progression and severity of cataracts was due to genetic factors. Environmental conditions, age and lifestyle (including nutrition) played a much greater role with over 60 percent, the authors write in the journal "Ophthalmology".

A healthy diet rich in vitamin C could reduce the risk of progressive eye lens opacification by 33 percent. The eye lens was clearer in these women after 10 years of observation time as compared to peers with a vitamin C-poor diet. The researchers suspect that the vitamin accumulates in the eye fluid and reduces oxidative stress. It catches aggressive oxygen radicals, which are apparently responsible for the turbidity of the lens. There was also evidence of a positive effect of the trace element manganese in the diet. Nutrient preparations, however, showed no detectable protective effect. Further studies will shed more light on the relationships. It is still unclear whether the results are transferable to men, younger people and other cultures.

"Who uses the variety of food, eating varied and wholesome, can usually meet its nutritional needs without any problems," explains nutritionist Harald Seitz from aid infodienst. "In old age, it is especially important to eat a lot of fresh food". For a one-sided diet, it may be useful for seniors to take folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 supplements. Vitamin C supplements are usually not necessary, so Seitz. Important vitamin suppliers are berries, kiwi and citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and mandarins, as well as peppers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. The trace element manganese is found mainly in cereals, legumes and rice, but also in spinach and black tea. (Heike Kreutz, aid)