| In the year 1999 the AREDS report | | | | appropriate supplement level is thought by many |
| demonstrated that nutritional supplements could | | | | to be 100 mg/day |
| significantly slow the progression of macular | | | | Trans-reveratrol is another antioxidant although |
| degeneration. The AREDS report was based on | | | | not as strong as Vitamin C and E. A few studies |
| 4,000 subjects followed over a minimum of five | | | | have shown some benefit in macular health. |
| years. They study participants took supplements | | | | Trans-reveratrol also lowers LDL cholesterol and |
| of Beta Carotene, Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin E | | | | may be a factor in cancer prevention. It is found |
| and they had 25% better outcome than those | | | | in red grapes and wine. A safe supplement level |
| not taking the supplements. Since then these | | | | may be 50mg/day. |
| supplements have been frequently used in the | | | | EGCG is another antioxidant, which may play a |
| management of ARMD. | | | | role in macular degeneration as well as cancer |
| In the last ten years since AREDS several studies | | | | prevention. It is most commonly found in green |
| have impacted the use of the AREDS | | | | tea. One cup of green tea contains about 400mg. |
| supplements. Beta Carotene has been shown to | | | | It is thought that only one or two cups/day is |
| increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Zinc | | | | safe. |
| supplements can cause genitourinary problems. | | | | Vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone that has been |
| Vitamins C and E are strong antioxidants and are | | | | shown to be a factor in controlling bone disease, |
| still recommended. | | | | some types of cancer and tooth decay. A 2007 |
| Other studies now point to other supplements | | | | study of 7,000 people indicated that those with |
| that might be effective. Omega-3 fatty acids are | | | | the higher blood levels of Vitamin D were less |
| fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory | | | | likely to show early signs of macular degeneration. |
| properties. Omega-6 fatty acids have the | | | | Lutein and zeaxanthin are natural plant pigments. |
| opposite effect and promote inflammation. | | | | They find their way into our body only through |
| Omega-3 is commonly found in cold-water fish | | | | diet. The macular pigment cells have the highest |
| (salmon, sardines and tuna) and nuts. The | | | | concentration of these pigments than anywhere |
| appropriate supplement level is thought to be 1g | | | | else in the body. Dietary sources of lutein are the |
| to 3g/day. | | | | green leafy vegetables like spinach. Two cups of |
| Co-enzyme CoQ10 is associated with increased | | | | raw spinach contain 3mg of Lutein. Zeaxananthin |
| metabolic activity. Studies have shown that | | | | is found in corn, yellow peppers, goji berries and |
| CoQ10 levels in the retina decrease with age so | | | | egg yolks. If dietary intake is limited, 15mg of |
| we think that increasing its level might slow the | | | | luetin and 6mg of Zeaxanthin may be appropriate |
| progression of the disease. Wheat germ and fish | | | | if macular disease is likely. |
| are good natural sources of CoQ10. The | | | | |