(Integrative Medicine) - Supplements containing high levels of antioxidants and zinc may help prevent age-related vision loss in elderly individuals, according to a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) followed 3,640 participants, aged 55-80 years, for an average of 6.3 years. All of the participants were at a high risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in elderly Americans. The researchers randomly assigned the participants to one of four groups: (1) antioxidants [vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene], (2) zinc oxide and copper, (3) antioxidants plus zinc, or (4) placebo. Although the antioxidant and zinc supplements each appeared to offer some protection, the benefits of supplementation were greatest for those participants who received the antioxidant/zinc combination and who were at the highest risk of developing AMD. Antioxidant/zinc supplementation reduced the risk of advanced AMD in these groups by 25 percent. Supplementation did not reduce the risk of cataract development or progression, however.

The researchers also consider the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin as potentially beneficial for the prevention of AMD, but were unable to include these nutrients in the present trial. They warn that smokers should consider refraining from beta-carotene supplementation due to possible increased risks of developing lung cancer.

References

Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. AREDS Report No. 8. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119:1417-1436.

Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placeb-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss. AREDS Report No. 9. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119:1439-1452.