Research Vitamin C protects against cataracts

Scientists were able to prove that cataracts are only one-third genetically determined. Environmental factors, including the intake of vitamin C from the diet, have a much greater impact.

Vitamin C as a precaution for eye diseases. Picture: arinahabich - fotolia

The scientists from London evaluated data from the so-called "twin study". The analysis of 2,054 female twins revealed that only 35% of the cataracts are hereditary. The other 65% go back to environmental factors. This includes the diet.

Vitamin C had the greatest influence on the risk: Twins with high vitamin C intake were 19% less likely to have cataracts than twins in the bottom third of the vitamin C intake. The association was only for the intake of vitamin C with the food and not for vitamin C supplements. The study can be found here.