Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion, and pattern visual evoked potential in visual display terminal workers.

Accession number;02A0904519
Title;Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion, and pattern visual evoked potential in visual display terminal workers.
Author;NAGAKI Y(Toyama Medical And Pharmaceutical Univ., Toyama, Jpn)   HAYASAKA S(Toyama Medical And Pharmaceutical Univ., Toyama, Jpn)   YAMADA T(Toyama Medical And Pharmaceutical Univ., Toyama, Jpn)   HAYASAKA Y(Toyama Medical And Pharmaceutical Univ., Toyama, Jpn)   SANADA M(Fuji Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd., Toyama, Jpn)   UONOMI T(Fuji Chemical Ind. Co., Ltd., Toyama, Jpn)   
Journal Title;Journal of Traditional Medicines
Journal Code:Y0941A
ISSN:1340-6302
VOL.19;NO.5;PAGE.170-173(2002)
Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.1, TBL.2, REF.15
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;English
Abstract;We evaluated the effects of astaxanthin, a red carotenoid, on accommodation, critical flicker fusion(CFF), and pattern visual evoked potential(PVEP) in visual display terminal(VDT) workers. As controls, 13 non-VDT workers received no supplementation (Group A). Twenty-six VDT workers were randomized into 2 groups: Group B consisted of 13 subjects who received oral astaxanthin, 5mg/day, for 4 weeks, and Group C consisted of 13 subjects who received an oral placebo, 5mg/day, for 4 weeks. No significant difference in age was noted among the 3 groups. A double-masked study was designed in Groups B and C. Accommodation amplitude in Group A was 3.7.+-.1.5 diopters. Accommodation amplitudes (2.3.+-.1.4 and 2.2.+-.1.0 diopters) in Groups B and C before supplementation were significantly (p<0.05) lower than in Group A. Accommodation amplitude (2.8.+-.1.6 diopters) in Group B after astaxanthin treatment was significantly (p<0.01) larger than before supplementation, while accommodation amplitude (2.3.+-.1.1 diopters) in Group C after placebo supplementation was unchanged. The CFFs and amplitude and latency of P100 in PVEP in Group A were 45.0.+-.4.2Hz, 6.5+/=1.8.MU.V, and 101.3.+-.6.5msec, respectively. The CFFs in Groups B and C before supplementation were significantly (p<0.05) lower than in Group A. The CCFs in Groups B and C did not change after supplementation. Amplitudes and latencies of P100 in PVEP in Groups B and C before supplementation were similar to those in Group A and did not change after supplementation. Findings of the present study indicated that accommodation amplitude improved after astaxanthin supplementation in VDT workers. (author abst.)