Here is yet another study looking at administering antioxidants and reducing the onset of AMD. This study was a randomized placebo controlled trial and gave synthetic forms of Vitamin A,C,E, as well as the minerals zinc and copper. The dosages were lower for the vitamins than what you would find in a pill, but the zinc and copper were in line with a standard multi. However one would never want to take these supplements long term for a couple of reasons. One reason is that you have a synthetic form of vitamin E that only contains one of the eight vitamin E molecules so you will throw the other Vitamin E molecules out of balance. The other reason is just a personal bias that I don’t believe taking synthetic supplements long term is a healthy thing. We should get what we can from whole foods or supplements derived from whole foods. There have been plenty of studies that show taking lutein and zexanthin from yellow and red vegetables and fruits has a very nice effect of reducing risk of AMD and cataracts. Much healthier to spend the money on real food than taking a synthetic vitamin/mineral to prevent a disease that may happen.
I showed some studies in my acupuncture and nutrition talk at the Uveitis foundation. Proper nutrition can go a long way to improving the vision. If you already have some vision problems then acupuncture is great for improving the outcome for people with AMD, cataracts and glaucoma.
In Health,
George Mandler
Licensed Acupuncturist
Licensed Dietitian / Nutritionist
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Acupuncture Nutrition com