National Eye Institute  Study Shows High Dose Vitamin Supplements Beneficial in Reducing Age Related Macular Degeneration

 By

Laura K. Windsor, O.D., F.A.A.O.

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 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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