Cataracts
From The Nutritional Health Bible by Linda Lazarides (1997). This free database is provided for interest only. Linda's later writings refer to more up-to-date research.
Some causative factors-
Deficiency of foods high in antioxidant nutrients
especially vitamin E and beta-carotene.
In a survey on the use of vitamin supplements, it was found that those who were free of cataracts used significantly more vitamins C and E. Vitamin supplementation appeared to reduce the risk of cataracts by 50 per cent. Robertson et al: Vitamin E intake and risk of cataracts in humans. Ann N Y Acad Sci 570:372-82, 1989
There is now much evidence to suggest that individuals with higher intakes of antioxidant nutrients have a reduced risk of developing cataracts. Gerster H: Antioxidant vitamins in cataract prevention. Z Ernahrungswiss 28(1):56-75, 1989
Inviduals with a low serum concentration of antioxidant vitamins had almost twice the risk of developing cataracts compared with those with the highest levels. Knekt P et al: Serum antioxidant vitamins and risk of cataract. BMJ 305(6866):1392-4, 1992
The consumption of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may be the most cost-effective way to delay the development of cataracts, since comprised functioning of the lens and retina with ageing are exacerbated by reduced reserves of antioxidant nutrients and reduced antioxidant enzyme function. Taylor A et al: Relations among aging, antioxidant status, and cataract. Am J Clin Nutr 62(6 Suppl):1439S-1447S, 1995.
It has been estimated that in the United States more than half of the operations carried out to remove cataracts, as well as the associated healthcare costs could be obviated if the onset of cataracts could be delayed by 10 years. The authors point out that the scientific literature supports the use of dietary measures to achieve this. Taylor A: Cataract: relationship between nutrition and oxidation. J Am Coll Nutr 12(2):138-46, 1993.