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NEI Study
Shows High Dose Vitamin Supplements Beneficial in
Reducing Age Related Macular
Degeneration
by
Laura K. Windsor, O.D.
The first
scientific study correlating high dose nutritional
supplements to reducing the risk of age related
macular degeneration progression has been released.
The National Eye Institute and National Institute
of Health released the results of the Age-related
Eye Disease Study (AREDS) in the Archives of
Ophthalmology in October of 2001. This multi-center
research studied 3640 participants for an average
of 6.3 years and their response to high dose
vitamin C and E, beta-carotene and zinc nutritional
supplements. This study randomly assigned
participants, after being categorized by the degree
of macular degeneration, into four treatment groups
including antioxidants plus zinc, antioxidants
alone, zinc alone and a placebo group.
The study found
that both the antioxidant alone and the zinc alone
showed some benefit, but the greatest benefit was
found in the group that received the antioxidant
plus zinc treatment and those who were in the high
risk category for macular degeneration progression.
The risk of progression to advanced age related
macular degeneration was decreased by 25% in
patients taking the antioxidants plus zinc
supplement and was slightly higher at a 27%
progression reduction in the high risk macular
degeneration category taking antioxidants plus
zinc. A large portion of these patients was also
taking a multivitamin.
The combination
found most effective was:
- Vitamin C 500
mg
- Vitamin E 400
IU
- Beta-carotene
15 mg
- Zinc (zinc
oxide) 80 mg
- Copper (Cupric
Acid) 2 mg
Though side effects
of the therapy were few, it is important to
approach high levels of vitamins and minerals
carefully. Participants reported more urinary tract
problems, but this was very small when compared to
the placebo group. Additionally, participants had a
higher risk for developing anemia, which led to
adding copper to the treatment regimen. Patients at
risk for lung cancer such as smokers should not
take the beta-carotene component of this treatment
since Vitamin A may increase the risk of lung
cancer in smokers.
The new AREDS has
been the first conclusive study proving the added
benefit of antioxidants and zinc supplement use.
Because the supplements are in high doses and may
have associated risks, all patients wanting to
begin or increase their daily intake of
antioxidants and zinc should contact their eye care
professional and/or family physician before
beginning treatment.
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