Question

Which of the following statements is true concerning the use of bilberry as a complementary therapy for cataracts?

a. The body converts bilberry to vitamin A, which helps to maintain a healthy lens
b. Bilberry blocks an enzyme that leads to sorbitol accumulation that contributes to cataract formation in diabetes.
c. Bilberry boosts oxygen and blood delivery to the eye
d. Bilberry is a good choice for patients with diabetes as it does not interact with antidiabetic drugs

Answer 1

Bilberry blocks an enzyme that leads to sorbitol accumulation that contributes to cataract formation in diabetes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement concerning the use of bilberry as a complementary therapy for cataracts is b. Bilberry blocks an enzyme that leads to sorbitol accumulation that contributes to cataract formation in diabetes. Bilberry contains compounds called anthocyanosides, which have been shown to inhibit the enzyme aldose reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting glucose into sorbitol, and high levels of sorbitol can contribute to the formation of cataracts, especially in individuals with diabetes.