Dietary sources of lutein in adults suffering eye disease (AMD/cataracts).

BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies indicate that by consuming 6-14 mg lutein daily, the risk of acquiring eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts becomes reduced. Their symptoms can also by such means be alleviated and treatment improved. OBJECTIVES To estimate dietary intakes of lutein obtained from foodstuffs and supplements along with determining its main sources in selected groups of adults suffering from eye disease and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was performed in Warsaw and its neighbourhoods during 2008-12. Subjects were 375 adults aged 50-97 years, of whom half had been diagnosed with AMD and/or cataracts; constituting the test group. Dietary intakes of lutein were assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaire Method whilst interview questionnaires assessed the intake of supplements. RESULTS Overall, the average dietary intake of lutein from foodstuffs was 2.5 mg daily, with the test group being significantly higher than healthy controls (2.9 vs 2.1 mg daily). Women's intakes were also higher than in men (2.9 vs 2.1 mg daily), as were those possessing higher or secondary education compared to the others with primary or vocational education (2.7 vs 2.3 mg daily). Fresh vegetables were found to be the main dietary sources of lutein that included green leafy vegetables and frozen vegetables, constituting respectively 63% and 13% of the dietary intake. Dietary supplements containing lutein were taken by 109 subjects of whom most had eye disease (over 80%); where the average daily consumption of lutein from this source was 6.5 mg. CONCLUSIONS For older people, the dietary intake of lutein from foodstuffs may be insufficient to prevent eye disease. Taking daily dietary supplements would thus be indicated to make up such deficiencies of lutein.