Vitamin C in the Development of Cataracts

Clinical Study Title:
Long-term intake of vitamins and carotenoids and odds of early age-related cortical and posterior subcapsular lens opacities.

Plain English Summary:

Maintaining adequate nutritional levels has been associated with better health, and reductions in the risk of many chronic disorders. This study looked at the role of certain nutrients, such as Vitamin C, in the development of cataracts. Almost 500 older women were interviewed and their dietary intake of various nutrients over the last 15 years was analyzed. Folate, alpha- and beta-carotene, as well as vitamin C were all found to be associated with a reduced risk of developing cataracts. For elderly women, only vitamin C intake was found to reduce the risk of development of cataracts and carotenoids.

Authors:
Taylor A. Jacques PF. Chylack LT Jr. Hankinson SE. Khu PM. Rogers G. Friend J. Tung W. Wolfe JK. Padhye N. Willett WC.

Institution:
Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

Country of Publication:
United States

Source:
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 75(3):540-9, 2002 Mar.