UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hello everyone.
Sorry if this has been asked before; I did a search with no luck.
My aunt just gave my mum a supplement called Lutein. Apparently it's a natural nutrional supplement that has some prophylactic effects in regards to cataracts and macular degeneration. A quick internet search indicates that Lutein is found in various fruit and veg' as well.
Has anyone here heard of any possible benefits of Lutein supplements for sufferers of KC? I'm curious if its worth my while giving it a go (or increasing my intake of prunes, sprouts and broccoli).
Cheers.
D.

I have to give you the benefit of my experience here..... I took some lutein pills for 5 years as my father had a macular problem although I do not. The pills I took were bilberry and Lutein which have now been replaced and called Vision Guard Plus by Solgar. I then had a routine blood test and found out my liver function test was incredibly high. I then had a series of tests including a liver biopsy. My consultant is not 100% but feels strongly that it was probably these pills that caused this increase. I stopped taking them in December 2005 and the liver function test is very slowly coming down. I analysed the ingredients of these pills and was amazed by what is in them!

I don't know anything about lutien supplements but personally I would go for the natural option if available every time - unless prescribed by a qualified medic!

I've had a quick "google" and looks like there's lots of good common fruit and veg which would provide the necessary! Probably helps that I love most of the fruit and veg on the suggested list,
i.e.

spinach,squash,sweetcorn,kale ,broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts ,orange peppers,,peas, kiwi fruit, grapes ,oranges, mango ,papaya,peaches
prunes ,pumpkin, sweet potatoes, melon,
courgettes & dark green lettuce

My diet is very high in Rhiboflavin as used in the C3R tretament.

I get through twice the recomended daily ammount and it is all in my diet not as a supplement.

For the past 2 1/2 years my KC has been stable.

Thanks for the replies. Like I said I was just curious though if theres a danger of it affecting liver function then I think I'd steer clear. Can always just do it the natural way.
Thanks again
D.

David

I find it hard to beleive that Lutein would cause your Liver values to increase. Lutein, Billbery, Blue Berry are meant to give better "night vision". There have been many studies on this, half saying it works, other half saying it doesnt.

As long as you dont exceed 6mg I cant see any issues...and its also not a complex chain and thus wouldnt put excessive strain on the Liver......

J

I think for every bit of food research to say something is good for you there is another contradicting it.

That is why I eat what I like when I like and try and keep it balanced.

Avoid all suplements, some of my food is processed but I link to think the rest of it being natural more than makes up for it.