Some nutrients play an essential role in eye health.
Beta Carotene
Beta caroteneis a source ofvitamin A.
It is one of a few provitamin A carotenoids that come from plant sources.
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Beta carotene gets converted to vitamin A in the body.
The follow-up study found that removing beta carotene from the formulation did not alter the study results.
Most of these participants were former smokers.
The data suggest a high dietary intake of foods with beta carotene is helpful.
However, remember that more isn’t necessarily better.
The evidence does not support the use of beta carotene supplements for the prevention of worsening AMD.
Vitamin C
Vitamin Cis a water-soluble vitamin that has antioxidant properties.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient.
Data on vitamin C for the prevention of cataracts is mixed.
There are many forms of vitamin E, but alpha-tocopherol is the only one known to meet human requirements.
Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant and has a role in immune function.
Men should speak with their healthcare providers about the vitamin E dose used in the AREDS formula.
Zinc
Zincis an essential mineral found in some foods and supplements.
High levels of zinc intake can reduce the amount ofcopperabsorbed by the body.
Because the amount of zinc in the AREDS formulation was high, copper was also added to the formulation.
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acidsare polyunsaturated fats.
The AREDS2 trial added omega-3 fatty acids to the formulation in 350 mg DHA and 650 mg EPA.
Study results did not show that adding omega-3 fatty acids provided any further benefit.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Luteinandzeaxanthinare both types of carotenoids related to beta carotene and vitamin A.
Both lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the human eye.
They are the only two carotenoids present in themaculaand the lens.
They found that lutein and zeaxanthin were suitable replacements for beta carotene.
Who Should Take Eye Health Supplements?
The benefit comes off as greater for those with intermediate AMD rather than early AMD.
Beta carotene was found to increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
Most healthy people can meet these nutrient requirements through diet alone.
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