Micronutriments : l'exemple de la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge (DMLA)

Age-related macular degeneration is a growing burden disease with a high prevalence in elderly: it is the first cause of blindness in developed countries; it is a multifactorial disease with genetic and nutritional factors. Carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are components of macular pigment and have a filter role for blue light and an antioxidant role. Other nutritional factors might play a role as antioxidant: zinc, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C…, which leads to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (A.R.E.D.S.). A high glycemic index increases oxidative stress. Long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have a protective effect. Available data are presented and discussed. These are new preventive issues which illustrates the micronutrients' roles.