Lutein is higher in self-sustaining farming group and incidence of AMD is much lower than normal populations. Babies are born with very low levels of lutein in the retina and macula and only obtain it through their diet. Lutein levels increase dramatically in the macula in 4-6 weeks in test subjects being fed a low lutein diet and then given lutein supplements. This antioxidant acts similar to lutein. Blood levels and absorption rates in test subjects are the same when given vegetables with known lutein levels or lutein supplements.
Animal studies prove lutein concentrates in Macula.
Human postmortem studies show levels of lutein in AMD persons. Lutein delays the onset of cataracts for at least 10 years in two studies. The Focus Foundation study results confirm the nutritional benefits of specific supplements. Lutein halts the progression of AMD according to Richer, S-Feb 1999 in J. of Amer. Many additional studies provide a large body of evidence to support the theory that the antioxidant carotenoids, especially lutein, prevent and halt the vision loss due to AMD and cataracts.