Fruit and veg intake 'slows AMD development'--study.

A HIGH intake of rich antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables could slow down the progression of age-related macular degeneration, a new study has found.

The five-year study into nutritional supplements found that they help sharpen the vision of AMD sufferers. Investigating the effect of supplements, researchers reported that a high intake of carotenoids preserved macular pigments and slowed down the progression of the eye disease from its early to late stages.

More than 400 people took part in the study coordinated by Professor Usha Chakravarthy at Queen's University's Centre of Vision and Vascular Science, Northern Ireland.

Researchers developed a supplement rich in antioxidants containing lutin, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, and zinc, which when taken against a placebo study group was seen to preserve macular pigments and slow the development of AMD.

Dr Chakravarthy said: "Up to 500 people a year in Northern Ireland will lose their sight in one or both eyes as a result of late AMD. We wanted to carry out the study as the prevention of progression to late AMD can result in a reduced financial and societal burden."