Nutrition News

The value of vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing or delaying the progress of chronic diseases is called into question by three new investigations.

Hyperhomocysteinemia, which primarily has a genetic link but may also be caused by diet, could increase the risk of progression to neovascular age-related macular degeneration, according to Elisa F. de Junco, OD, and Thomas J. de Junco in the December print edition of Primary Care Optometry News. “Epidemiological studies have reported that an elevated level of homocysteine (Hcy) is related to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke,” the authors report. “Many of these factors leading to cardiovascular disease have been found to be related to AMD.”

Elevated levels of homocysteine have been implicated in arteriosclerosis, stroke and cardiovascular disease. More recently, there have been cross-sectional and case-controlled studies linking elevated plasma levels of homocysteine with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, suggesting a modifiable risk factor for AMD. Lowering these levels may be an interventional method in the prevention of the more visually debilitating type of AMD.

SEATTLE — Obesity is caused by the inability to burn fat, which results from hormone resistance, according to Daniel Pompa, DC, at the Ocular Nutrition Society’s annual meeting. The day-long symposium was held here prior to the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting.

SEATTLE — Obesity is caused by the inability to burn fat, which results from hormone resistance, according to Daniel Pompa, DC, at the Ocular Nutrition Society’s annual meeting. The day-long symposium was held here prior to the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting.

Our current government guidelines recommend drinking three glasses of milk a day for every American older than 5. For kids younger than 5, Uncle Sam recommends chugging two glasses a day. But is milk a health food? Should we really be eating dairy? Is there any real science behind this, or is this just the result of the powerful National Dairy Council lobby?

LAS VEGAS — Laurie Capogna, OD, and Barbara Pelletier, OD, released their book, Eyefoods: A Food Plan for Healthier Eyes, here at Vision Expo West.

LAS VEGAS – The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown in studies to not only reduce the risk of progression to wet age-related macular degeneration, but also to improve cognitive function, heart health and hydration, according to a presenter here at Vision Expo West.

LAS VEGAS – The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown in studies to not only reduce the risk of progression to wet age-related macular degeneration, but also to improve cognitive function, heart health and hydration, according to a presenter here at Vision Expo West.

LAS VEGAS – A panel of experts here at Vision Expo West stressed the importance of becoming involved in nutritional supplements, whether prescribing them, selling them in-office or referring patients to online vendors.