Help! My doctor prescribed vitamins and I’m not sure what to take!!!
There are so many choices!! So, for the patient this can be very overwhelming! Just a few notes about vitamins, there is an AREDS and an AREDS 2 formula. The first AREDS trial was found to reduce the advancements of macular degeneration by about 25% in a five-year period. And just think about this! These people were still losing vision, but at a slower rate. If you are 75 years old and you maintained better vision until 90, that’s huge! You would be able to maintain independence and need less supportive care. In the AREDS 2 trial, they added Omega 3s and lutein and zeaxanthin to the AREDS formulation containing beta carotene. Beta carotene was found to cause an increased risk of cancer in smokers so they took it out. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene are all carotenoids.
Why are carotenoids important? They help reduce oxidative stress caused by aging and smoking. A typical US diet contains1–3 mg/day of lutein and zeaxanthin, while ~6 mg/day have been related to decrease risk of AMD. This could be an entire post in itself, so we will leave this for later post.
Today we will explore the key vitamins recommended for dry macular degeneration and their benefits.
Vitamin A
Role in Eye Health: Vitamin A is essential for maintaining good vision, particularly in low-light conditions. It supports the function of the retina and helps prevent night blindness.
Discussion: Vitamin A is used in the retina in low light conditions. Vitamin A is necessary for regenerative process involving rhodopsin in the retina. Without the sufficient vitamin A the eye struggles to produce rhodopsin, leading to night blindness or difficulty in seeing in low light conditions. Vitamin A and its derivatives also protect the eye from oxidative stress.
Sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens.
2. Vitamin C
Role in Eye Health: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. It also supports the health of blood vessels in the eyes.
Discussion: Since vitamin C is such a powerful antioxidant it has been included in the AREDS formulations. However, several studies showed no significant association between vitamin C intake and AMD.
Sources: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
3. Vitamin E
Role in Eye Health: Another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E, helps protect eye cells from damage. It may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Discussion: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and for that reason researchers think it plays an important role in protecting certain parts of the eye. Cataracts for example have been shown to be reduced by intake of vitamin E. However other studies have not found vitamin E is important in the retina. I have not found a vitamin that does not include vitamin E and since it was part of the original AREDS study, I don’t think they’ll take it out.
Sources: Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), seeds, spinach, and avocados.
4. Zinc
Role in Eye Health: Zinc is crucial for bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. It also supports the structure of eye proteins and cell membranes.
Discussion: The amount in the original formula (80 mg which is 727% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance) is controversial. Many experts recommend a lower dose (25mg). There are some populations with a certain genetic profile, that should avoid zinc. Again, too much to go into here. I would ask your health care professional.
Sources: Meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts.
5. Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Role in Eye Health: Literature shows that the levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in plasma are associated with the decreased risk of macular disease such as AMD. These carotenoids are found in high concentrations in the macula. They act as a natural sunblock, absorbing blue light and protecting the eyes from oxidative damage.
Discussion: Due to the lack of synthesis in our bodies, consumption of these compounds are extremely important for the proper functioning of certain organs such as the eye. Lutine and zeaxanthin are the only dietary carotenoids that accumulate in the retina, specifically the macula, thus they are called macular pigments. There is third xanthophyll carotenoid pigment called meso-zeaxanthin. Meso-zeaxanthin can be converted from lutein in the macula. Some formulations contain this carotenoid. These are the most crucial portions of the AREDS 2 vitamins. Again, so much information. There are lots of papers if you want to research more.
Sources: Green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach), broccoli, peas, corn, eggs, and orange peppers.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Role in Eye Health: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are essential for the health of the retina. They may reduce inflammation and promote overall eye health.
Discussion: Omega-3 fatty acids decrease neovascularization (which is what is what causes wet AMD) by interacting with the retinal pigment epithelial cells displacing Omega 6. There is a whole discussion that could be had about omega-3 fatty acids. I advise all my patients to purchase quality omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are the most difficult to manufacture so you need to read the labels and ensure your vitamin is high quality. It is probably one of the most important components that you need to take to prevent wet macular degeneration
Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
AREDS and AREDS2 Supplements
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and its follow-up, AREDS2, conducted by the National Eye Institute, found that specific high-dose formulations of vitamins and minerals can slow the progression of dry macular degeneration. These formulations typically include:
Vitamin C: 500 mg
Vitamin E: 400 IU
Zinc: 25 mg (as zinc oxide)
Copper: 2 mg (as cupric oxide) to prevent copper deficiency anemia
Lutein: 10 mg (in AREDS2)
Zeaxanthin: 2 mg (in AREDS2)
Conclusion
While vitamins and supplements can't cure dry macular degeneration, they can play a significant role in managing the condition and protecting your vision. Incorporating a diet rich in these vitamins and considering an AREDS or AREDS2 supplement, can help slow the progression of AMD and maintain better eye health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it's appropriate for your individual health needs. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA. One of the best ways to ensure the quality of a product is to look for one that has been certified by a third-party company. Third party testing is not required by law and some supplement manufacturers voluntarily choose to undergo the testing.
I hope you learned more about vitamins! We would love to hear from you! Sign up for our emails to receive more information and current trends. And remember, TIME=VISON. If you note a change, the sooner you seek treatment, the better the visual outcome! Check the app everyday!
*Information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
