Risks for Cortical Cataract and Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts (PSC) in women 60 years and under reduced with Vitamin C and Carotenoid intake

Based on data collected on 492 women, Dr. Allen Taylor of Tufts University and his colleagues have found that women 60 years and under having a daily vitamin C intake of 362 mg or more had a 57% lowered risk of developing cortical cataracts when compared to women whose vitamin C intake was less than 140 mg. They also found that women who took vitamin C supplements for more than 10 years reduced their risks for developing cortical cataracts by 60% when compared to the women who did not take vitamin C supplementation. Non-smoking women who consumed more folate and carotenoids were less likely to have PSCs. Carotenoids are red, yellow and orange pigments found in fruits and vegetables.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 75, No. 3, 540-549, March 2002
Copyright © 2002 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.