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Since we’ve been talking a lot of eye health lately, you are likely very aware that a lack of certain nutrients can negatively affect your eye health and increase risk for some degenerative eye disorders.

But, it’s not just about vitamins, minerals, omega-3s and other micronutrients. A study of more than 3,600 adults over 10 years showed that high-glycemic diets increased the risk for early macular degeneration. On the other hand, greater intake of cereal fiber (foods such as oatmeal and whole grains) was associated with a reduced risk of early AMD.

https://askthescientists.com/high-glycemic-index-diets-increase-risk-age-related-macular-degeneration/

High glycemic index diets increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration - Ask The Scientists Research suggests that a high-glycemic diet is a risk factor for early AMD, and low-glycemic-index foods such as oatmeal may protect against early AMD.

A healthy growth rate, good brain development, plenty of energy, strong immune system…. Benefits of good nutrition in children seem fairly obvious. But, there are benefits that are less obvious, but just as important.

NUTRITION AND DNA DAMAGE IN CHILDREN

Protection of our DNA is essential since we are all constantly exposed to factors that influence DNA damage and repair. DNA damage can increase the potential for gene mutations and predispose a person to cancer and other chronic diseases. Essential nutrients like folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and others are essential for the protection and repair of the DNA in our trillions of cells.

A study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research showed that DNA damage in healthy children may be influenced by blood micronutrient levels and certain genotypes (the genetic make-up of an individual).

Researchers measured micronutrient levels and biomarkers of DNA damage of 462 healthy children aged 3, 6, and 9 and found associations between insufficient levels of several nutrients and evidence of chromosomal DNA damage in lymphocytes.

Although this is not likely a surprise, fruit and vegetable consumption among youth is below recommended levels. Children ages 6-19 consume about half the recommended minimum of fruit servings.

Children ages 6-11 consume slightly more than half the minimum recommended for vegetable servings. Adolescents vegetable intakes are closer to recommendations, but that is because potatoes, most of them fried, account for more than a third of the servings.

Of course it’s important to limit lifestyle and environmental factors that negatively influence health. But, it’s just as important to provide the body essential nutrients it needs for the protection and repair of the DNA.

Children need the nutrients provided by a varied diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. So, if they don’t eat as healthy as you would like or are picky eaters, it may be a good idea to consider a quality children’s multivitamin in addition to their meals.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26224320

Blood micronutrients and DNA damage in children. - PubMed - NCBI Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015 Oct;59(10):2057-65. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201500110. Epub 2015 Aug 26. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Did you know?

There are over 120 million photoreceptors in the eye.

80% of what we learn is through our eyes.

After the brain, our eyes are the most complex organ in our bodies.

There are over one million nerves that connect the eye to the brain.

Violet is the rarest eye color (the actress Elizabeth Taylor had violet eyes).

Bonus points for anyone that knows the name of the condition shown on the picture!

Learn more about your eyes, how they work, and how nutrition is related to optimal eye health and visual performance.

https://askthescientists.com/qa/visionex/

USANA Visionex®: What You Need to Know - Ask The Scientists

Are the USANA supplements pharmaceutical grade?