What is the Best Eye Vitamin for Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration affects around 1 in 10 of all Americans aged 50 plus. While not quite a health epidemic, it’s certainly a condition that all of us need to be aware of and take steps to reduce our risk. 

While not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, there’s increasingly mounting evidence that certain vitamins can slow the progression of the disease. Indeed, there’s a school of thought that suggests these same vitamins can also provide some protection against developing it at all. 

The overarching name for this group of vitamins and minerals is “antioxidants”.

The Case for Antioxidant Vitamins in the Fight Against Macular Degeneration

• Why antioxidants?
• Which antioxidants and what dose?
• Supplement or natural source?

Why antioxidants?

Antioxidant vitamins are known to have a powerful effect on harmful substances within our bodies, known as free radicals. These are unstable atoms that cause the cells that make up our tissues to degrade faster than they should. This results in accelerated aging and disease.

Antioxidants can effectively “switch off” these harmful molecules. They do so by sacrificing some of their own electrons and this breaks the chain reaction that’s so harmful to the body.

Which antioxidant and what dose?

In the case of macular degeneration, there’s been two large-scale US studies that show the right combination can play a strategic role in both reducing the risk of suffering from the disease and slowing down its progression.

While not a magic bullet, the following daily combination has been defined as the best overall supplement to take for those who have been diagnosed with macular degeneration and are at medium or high risk of it becoming worse.

• Vitamin C: 500 mg
• Vitamin E: 400 iu
• Beta-carotene: 15 mg 
• Zinc: 80 mg zinc
• Copper: 2 mg copper 

These trials also indicated that replacing the beta-carotene with 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin might also be advantageous. This was done because there is some concern over an increased level of beta-carotene causing changes within the lung tissues of smokers and ex-smokers.

Supplement or natural source?

Supplements are usually only advised for those who’ve been diagnosed with the disease. For those who’re keen to reduce their risk from a younger age, ensuring that you eat a diet high in these antioxidants is key.

Examples include:

• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, melon, potatoes, broccoli, and berries.
• Vitamin E: peanuts, wheat germ, whole grains, vegetable oils, almonds, and mangoes.
• Beta-carotene: carrots, squash, apricots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens. 
• Zinc: liver, eggs, chicken, seafood, wheat germ, and fortified breakfast cereals.
• Copper: seafood, liver, dried fruits, whole greens, cocoa beans, and nuts. 
• Lutein-rich foods: red peppers, guava, spinach, kale, and mustard greens.
• Zeaxanthin-rich foods: tangerines, eggs, dark leafy greens, corn, and broccoli.

The easiest way to ensure that you’re getting the right nutrition is to eat foods that span the whole color spectrum. From dark leafy greens to vibrant peppers, orange carrots, red tomatoes, brown meats, golden eggs, and more, if your typical plate resembles a rainbow, then you’re sure to be on the right track.

What’s the Best Eye Vitamin for Macular Degeneration? Get Tailored Advice at the WBEC

Medicine can never be a one-size-fits-all science. Everyone’s body is unique, and that includes our eyes. At the West Boca Eye Center, our expertise in diagnosing and treating macular degeneration is second-to-none. When you entrust your precious eyesight to our clinical team, we not only provide cutting-edge treatment options, but we’ll advise on the latest advice surrounding vitamins and supplements that can enhance the journey.

Don’t waste another minute. Head to https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/macular-degeneration/ to find out more details and call our friendly team today to book your bespoke consultation.

Medicine can never be a one-size-fits-all science. Everyone’s body is unique, and that includes our eyes. At the West Boca Eye Center, our expertise in diagnosing and treating macular degeneration is second-to-none.

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