Researcher look to fruit and veg to prevent eye disease

Researchers at Queen's University have begun examining how naturally occurring compounds found in fruit and vegetables can affect the risk of eye disease.

Funded by the Food Safety Promotion Board, the Carotenoid and Retinal Disease (CARD) study is recruiting 150 healthy volunteers who will be asked to eat foods rich in compounds, known as carotenoids, contained in certain fruit and vegetables for eight weeks.

Commenting on the research, Dr Jayne Woodside, from Queens’ Department of Medicine, said: "In one American study, carried out in more than 3,500 people with macular degeneration, it was shown that vitamins C, E, b-carotene and zinc reduced the risk of developing this condition by about 25%. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are found in the retina of the eye and so they may also be able to protect against AMD. We are looking at mechanisms by which these food substances may protect the retina.”

Those who wish to participate in the study should be aged between 18 and 60, with good eyesight in both eyes, and not taking any vitamin supplements. To register please contact trial co-ordinator Ryan Graydon on telephone (028) 9063 2557 or email r.graydon@qub.ac.uk.

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