There’s new research that highlights the potential of using grape pomace, a byproduct of winemaking, as a source of beneficial compounds for eye health. The study examined the effectiveness of a nutraceutical formulation called Maltodextrinated Grape Pomace Extract (MaGPE) in treating diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness. The study involved a 6-month clinical trial with 99 patients who had mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The patients were divided into two groups: one received the MaGPE supplement, and the other received a placebo.
The study found that the MaGPE group showed significant improvements in visual acuity and a reduction in retinal thickness, which are key indicators of DR progression. These findings suggest that MaGPE could be a useful addition to the management of diabetic retinopathy, helping to preserve vision and reduce retinal damage by targeting oxidative stress, a major factor in the disease’s progression.
