Sports nutrition is an exciting field of study fueled by how nutrition can help an athlete perform better and improve overall health. Therefore, when I analyze an athlete’s diet, I’m looking for more than just how much protein, carbohydrate and calories they are eating. I am also comparing their diet to their training program and health. And the more they can tell me, the more I can help.
While many athletes focus on what is seemingly obvious (weight, muscle strength, speed, recovery), they often forget a part of their body that is so incredibly crucial to success – their eyesight. Yet, as I listened to Diane Alexander, PhD speak at the ISSN’s annual meeting last month, it became even more clear to me just how important specific nutrients are for eye health.
Dr. Alexander’s presentation Increased Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intake Correlates with Improved Visual Performance, was jam-packed with information about keeping your eyes health and ready to perform. Here are some of the summary points:
- The recommended nutrients for eye health are: zinc, copper, DHA or EPA, and the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin (both are carotenoids).
- Lutein and zeaxanthin are the 2 main antioxidants found in the macula of your eye. The macula absorbs/filters blue light (hazardous rays).
- Lutein acts like an “internal pair of sunglasses” neutralizing free radicals and reducing exposure to damaging blue light. It seems to reduce one’s risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts (it seems like everyone I know over age 60 has had cataract surgery).
- Lutein and zeaxanthin may improve outdoor vision by absorbing blue light allowing a person to better distinguish between distant targets while decreasing blur (golfers, are you paying attention here?)
- Lutein and zeaxanthin may also improve photosensitivity (the need to squint when you walk from inside to outside on a bright sunny day). Two studies conducted in healthy people found that 10 mg/day of FloraGlo® brand lutein + 2 mg/day of OPTISHARP® zeaxanthin reduced glare and improved tolerance to light.
How can you find lutein and zeaxanthin in food? First, start by eating the recommended 9-13 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (equivalent to roughly 4-8 mg of lutein/day). And, include leafy green vegetables, corn, eggs (its in the yolk) – the best sources of lutein.
As an athlete you must keep your entire body healthy. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables (and eggs) can help your eyes. If you get enough lutein and zeaxanthin, you should notice less glare, sharper vision and better distinction between objects in dim light. Though these “internal sunglasses” can help, don’t forget external ones.
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