It has been observed that there is an inverse relationship between dietary or serum lutein levels and risk for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. There are also amounting evidences suggesting that dietary antioxidant vitamins are positively associated with lung function.

In the study published in January 2002 [M.C. Polidori, et al. January 15, 2002. Plasma lipophillic antioxidants and malodialdehyde in congestive heart failure patients: relationship to disease severity. Free Radic. Bio. Med. 32(2):148-52.], plasma levels of malodialdehyde (MDA), vitamin A, and of antioxidant micronutrients including vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene were measured in 30 patients with class II and III congestive heart failure (CHF) according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and in 55 controls. Ejection fraction was evaluated by echocardiography in all patients as ameasure of the emptying capacity of the heart. Plasma levels of all measured compounds were significantly lower and MDA significantly higher in patients compared to control (P < 0.001). Class II NYHA patients showed significantly lower MDA levels and significantly higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, lutein, and lycopene than class III patients. Ejection fraction was inversely correlated with MDA levels and directly correlated with vitamin A, vitamin E, lutein, and lycopene levels in patients. These observations support the view that an increased consumption of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables might help in achieving cardiovascular health.