Macular Degeneration is an age related deterioration of the retina resulting in loss of vision. There are a number of factors that contribute to developing it as one ages including gender, ethnicity, genetic predisposition, smoking and obesity. While the first three are not modifiable, the last two are. Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can dramatically reduce the risk of developing it.
There has been some research looking at nutritional supplements to delay the progression of the disease. Following a healthy diet and getting adequate micro nutrients may help to prolong eye health.
Eating foods with a higher glycemic index can increase the progression of the disease while a low glycemic index can delay it. Due to the oxygen content to the eye, consuming foods rich in anti-oxidants have been proposed to delay the progression. Consuming Omega-3 fatty acid functions to support overall eye health. The derivatives of fish oil (EPA and DHA) taken separately are also effective in protecting the eye from degeneration. Lutein has been found in the retina and high levels in the blood have been associated with a decreased rate of degeneration. Alpha and Beta-carotene were both found to be ineffective in delaying the process of macular degeneration.
Vitamin supplementation has been mixed; Vitamins A, E and C have been shown to both have and not have a positive effect on macular degeneration. Anti-oxidant supplementation appears to help. Patients that took a combination of beta-carotene, Vit E, Vit C, Zinc and Copper had a 34% decrease in progression compared to patients who took a placebo.
A combination of vitamins and minerals has shown positive effects, so using a multivitamin or eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and anti-oxidants is advised. In general, I am not a big fan of vitamin supplementation, unless there is a known deficiency. Given the current information regarding future eye health and the positive impact of a sound nutritional diet, it makes the most sense to not smoke, eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and fish and use a supplement if your diet is insufficiently meeting nutritional needs.
Schleicher, M., Weikel, K., Garber, C & Taylor, A. (2013). Diminishing risk for age related macular degeneration with nutrition: a current view. Nutrients, 5(7). 2405-2456
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