Protective effects of oral antioxidants on skin and eye function
BACKGROUND: Antioxidants applied topically and/or taken systemically
may play an important role in counteracting the oxidative
injury to lipids and proteins on the skin and eye that are
provoked by radical oxygen species. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
the study was to control photoprotective activity of the skin
and eye through the use of oral antioxidants in 50 smoker
volunteers (10 cigarettes/d) aged between 25-36 years and
affected by dry skin. METHODS: Oxidative stress was assessed
by a randomized double-blind study, and the ROS-Meter System
(Dermotech, Rome, Italy). Global visual function was determined
by the use of different visual surveillance tests. RESULTS:
A 40% decrease of oxidative stress in blood serum was verified,
with a clear relationship between global visual function and
the oral intake of an oxygenated carotenoid (lutein). CONCLUSIONS:
Carotenoids used as nutritional supplements seem to play an
interesting photoprotective role for both skin and eyes, eventually
increasing the activity of topical sunscreens. Morganti P,
Fabrizi G, Bruno C. Skinmed. 2004 Nov-Dec;3(6):310-6.
The preceding abstract was obtained from the Medline service maintained by the
National Institutes of Health.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food &
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