Vision gains found in research

New research concentrated on sub­jects with strong and healthy eyesight has found marked improvements in vision among those who received specific dietary supplements over the period of 12 months.

The Crest (central retinal enrich­ment supplementation trials) study, was conducted by the Macular Pigment Research Group at Nutrition Research Centre Ireland in Waterford.

Researchers said the results would have important implications for those who relied on their vision for professional reasons, such as sportspeople, drivers, train drivers, pilots and quality controllers.

Subjects that received macular carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, enjoyed mean­ingful benefits to their visual function, in particular contrast sensitivity.

Professor John Nolan, principal investigator for the Crest study and founder of the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, said: ‘All of us involved in this research are tremendously excited about the outcome – not only from a scientific perspective but also because of the significant benefits it will have for a wide range of people. Many people may already consider themselves to have ‘good’ eyesight, but now we know that many of these would benefit from appropriate supplementation.