Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Summary:
Maintaining healthy vision should be a priority. Studies have found that taking nutritional supplements containing lutein can help prevent some vision problems. It is also believed by many eyecare practitioners, that a diet high in antioxidants such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C and E to be beneficial for maintaining healthy vision and help in preventing eye problems. Carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin), which are found in vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens, also help to promote eye health.
Protecting the eyes from the sun's harmful UV and blue light rays is also important in the prevention of cataracts and other eye problems. Sunglasses with ANSI rated UV lenses should always be worn when outdoors especially at peak sun time from 10 am to 2 pm.
Effective for:
Intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD
How it works:
Currently, there is no treatment or cure for dry macular degeneration. However, in 2001, the National Eye InstituteÕs (NEI's) Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that taking a specific high dose formula of vitamins and mineral supplements (AREDS formula) significantly reduced the risk of progressing from intermediate macular degeneration to advanced or wet macular degeneration. The study showed no benefit for those with early stage macular degeneration. When macular degeneration progresses to the advanced stage, toxic substances build up that may damage the retina. The vitamins and minerals of the AREDS formula act as antioxidants to help maintain healthy cells and tissues and may prevent this damage. In the study, the effective formula contained 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 International Units of vitamin E, 15 milligrams of beta-carotene, 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide and two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide. Many of the antioxidants in the AREDS formula can be found in over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements (www.medop.com), but the dosages required to achieve maximum efficacy are far greater. AREDS formula supplements may be contra-indicated with medications and patients should consult a physician before taking any vitamins or minerals. Patients with intermediate macular degeneration in one or both eyes or advanced macular degeneration in one eye but not the other eye might consider taking the formula.
Status:
NEI is currently recruiting 4,000 volunteers to participate in AREDS-2 trials. The study will focus on the effect of adding two supplements, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as two omega-3 long chain fatty acids (DHA and EPA) to the original AREDS formula. Researchers are interested in the effect of these supplements on the progression to advanced macular degeneration and/or moderate vision loss in those at risk of progression. Participants will also be offered variations on levels of beta-carotene and zinc to the original AREDS formula. Scientists will follow up for at least five years.
Maintaining healthy vision should be a priority. Studies have found that taking nutritional supplements containing lutein can help prevent some vision problems. In the LAST (The Veterans Lutein Antioxidants Supplementation Trial Study) medical study, lutein was found to be good for eye health. This powerful supplement helps prevent, treat or improve eye problems such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
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