French Researchers Find Strong Evidence That Zeaxanthin Is Helpful In Preventing AMD And Cataracts

West Chicago, IL (June 27, 2006) – As the benefits of antioxidants like zeaxanthin on eye health continue to receive validation from a variety of sources, demand for information on zeaxanthin is increasing. A comprehensive, easily accessible abstract collection is readily available on the web site www.Chrysantis.com.

The site’s research tab includes abstracts of more than 30 studies published beginning in 1990 and continuing to the present. It also includes a comprehensive exploration of the structure and function of zeaxanthin, a description of carotenoids, information on Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), links to related organizations such as the National Eye Institute and the Macular Degeneration Partnership, a recap of the Lewin Study from November 2005 that estimated a $2.5 billion net health care savings over five years through lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation, and many other related pieces of information.

“Part of our mission is to provide education regarding the benefits of this powerful antioxidant,” said Chrysantis general manager Manuel Pavon.  “Manufacturers adding zeaxanthin to eye health products and consumers interested in preserving their vision can find the latest and most relevant scientific references in our web site.”

The most recent addition is the study conducted by the Ocular Pathologies Associated with Age group (POLA in French). An article published in the Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science June 2006 issue reports finding a particularly strong inverse association between plasma zeaxanthin and AMD: subjects with high levels of plasma zeaxanthin (>0.9μM) had a 93% reduced risk of AMD. Globally, subjects with high total plasma lutein and zeaxanthin (>0.56μM) had a 79% reduced risks of AMD compared with subjects with low total plasma lutein and zeaxanthin (<0.25μM).

The researchers also found that only plasma zeaxanthin (of all carotenoids) showed a strong inverse association with nuclear cataracts. Subjects with high plasma zeaxanthin (>0.9μM) had a 75% decrease risk of developing this type of cataract.

The results of this study are consistent with those reported by Dr. Catherine Gale in 2003. Dr. Gale reported a significant (50%) reduced risk of early or late AMD in subjects with high plasma zeaxanthin (>0.05μM), compared with subjects with low levels (<0.03μ). The associations in this study were even stronger, perhaps because of the higher values in the highest quintile of zeaxanthin and lutein in this Mediterranean population, probably associated with higher dietary intakes of these xanthophylls.

Chrysantis, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ball Horticultural Company based in West Chicago, IL, is dedicated to developing high-quality plant-based products for dietary supplement manufacturers and the functional foods industry that will enhance human health. Family-owned Ball Horticultural Company has been researching, breeding and selling the highest-quality flower seed varieties for 100 years.

For more information, call 630 588-3474 or visit www.Chrysantis.com.

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