April 11, 2001--
Ingredients in tomatoes may fight off the effects of air pollution in your lungs, and macular denegeration in the eyes.
Science Specialist Ed Yeates reports that's what researchers from the EPA and the National Cancer Institute are saying in a series of studies released today.
Studies already show tomatoes contain antioxidants which may help fight cancer.
But according to this latest research from the EPA, the National Cancer Institute and the University of North Carolina - that same ingredient called lycopene may also reduce lung damage caused by exposure to air pollution.
At the same symposium, scientists at the University of Maryland said lycopene may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Their studies coincide with clinical trials now underway at the the University of Utah's Moran Eye Center. Dr. Paul Bernstein's group is testing patients to measure the levels of pigment found in some vegetables and fruits which may protect the eye from sun-induced damage and aging.
PAUL BERNSTEIN, M.D., Ph.D. / OPHTHALMOLOGY, MORAN EYE CENTER: "THE COMPOUNDS THAT WE THINK ARE VERY PROTECTIVE FOR THE EYE INCLUDE LUTEIN AND ZEAXANTHIN ESPECIALLY - AND THESE ARE COMPOUNDS THAT WE GET FROM OUR DIET WHICH ARE VERY GOOD ANTIOXIDANTS. THEY FIGHT THE DAMAGE WHICH IS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE LIGHT AND EXCESSIVE OXYGEN."
Those pigments are found in dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, brocolli, collard greens and kale -- and yellow and orange colored fruits and vegetables such as peaches, nectarines and corn.
ED YEATES, SCIENCE SPECIALIST: "THE MORAN EYE CENTER HAS DEVELOPED THIS EXPERIMENTAL DEVICE WHICH IN LESS THAN ONE SECOND MEASURES THE LEVELS OF MACULAR PIGMENT IN THE EYE."
As a diagnostic tool it could help patients modify their diet.
For example, if I had low levels it might be to my advantage to increase foods or supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin.
The Moran Eye Center is currently recruiting adults of all ages for its eye research. If you are interested, call the Clinical Trials Office at (801) 581-6265.
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