Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for people over 65, and there is no known cure or treatment. But a new study reveals that commonly used antioxidant vitamins may slow down the disorders progression.
In a six-year clinical trial designed to test the effect of antioxidant vitamins and zinc, The Age-Related Eye Disease Study involved 11 eye centers across the country and more than 3,640 adults, ranging in age from 55 to 80 and all with some degree of AMD.
The patients were divided into four groups: the first group was given antioxidants, the second was given zinc, the third received antioxidants with zinc and the fourth got sugar pills.
The scientists reported that "... treatment with zinc alone or in combination with antioxidants reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD."
Researchers calculate that if the 6 million people at risk for AMD were treated for five years with this simple vitamin regime, 250,000 would be spared any vision loss.
The complete vitamin regimen used was as follows:
- 500 milligrams of vitamin C
- 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E
- 15 milligrams of beta carotene
- 80 milligrams of zinc
- 2 milligrams of copper
The authors concluded that persons older than 55 should have a dilated eye exam, which involves instilling a medication in the eye. If the exam shows specific signs of AMD, patients "should consider taking a supplement of antioxidants plus zinc such as that used in the study."
If youre a smoker, however, take note. There is some evidence from a previous study that smokers who take high doses of beta carotene may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Therefore, your possible increased risk of cancer needs to be taken into consideration before introducing high dosages of beta carotene into your diet.
