Egg yolks help reduce sight loss

Researchers from Massachusetts University in the US have proven that by eating egg yolks regularly, people over 60 may be able to reduce the risk of age related sight loss caused by macular degeneration.

Age related macular degeneration is a medical condition that can result in the loss of sight in the centre of a person’s field of vision; the condition can make it very difficult, sometimes impossible, to read or to recognise faces. Age related macular degeneration, as the name suggests, usually affects older adults.

Egg yolks are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that promote the production of visual pigments. A report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explained that the Massachusetts study showed that “2 eggs per day is probably all that is needed to maximise blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin”.

Dr Nicolosi from Massachusetts University explained that the research shows a direct link between the increase in blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, and the risk of age related macular degeneration. Dr Nicolosi believes that egg yolks enhance the bioavailability of these nutrients which have been shown to reduce the risk of this sight degenerative disorder.

The study was carried out over a period of 5 months, and included 52 participants, with a mean age of 69 years.

Source: International Egg Commission