What are vitamins?
Before discussion about the best vitamins for macular degeneration, just what are vitamins? Vitamins are organic compounds that are needed by your body to function, but cannot be made by your body. Therefore, they must be consumed to promote good health. Vitamin and nutritional supplements are not regulated or tested by the Food and Drug Administration. Claims by manufacturers that these supplements improve health must be scientifically proven.
Should I take vitamins?
Doctors and nutritionists are limited in their ability to make firm recommendations in many situations because nutrition research is still in its infancy. Beware of authors and marketers who make grand claims as to the effectiveness of vitamins and herbs. Most healthy individuals who eat a well-rounded diet do not need to take supplemental vitamins, although there are some situations in which supplements have been shown to be beneficial. In general, vitamins are useful in the following situations: advanced age, age-related macular degeneration, food fads, gastrointestinal absorption abnormalities, and hemodialysis.
Vitamins and nutritional supplements—the more the better?
Although vitamin deficiency causes illness, excess vitamin intake may result in toxicity. Toxic effects are especially seen with the fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, E, D, and K). However, even dosages of vitamin B6 exceeding 500mg per day may cause light sensitivity, and vitamin C may cause nausea and diarrhea in large doses of 2 grams per day. Vitamin A may cause liver damage, visual changes, and birth defects in dosages as low as 15,000 IU per day and long-term use of vitamin A may cause osteoporosis and increased risk of bone fracture. Beta carotene may cause smokers and former smokers/asbestos workers to be at increased risk of lung cancer. Vitamin E appears safe up to 400 IU, but daily dosages exceeding 800 IU may cause abnormal bleeding and dosages exceeding 1200 IU may cause headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, cramping, weakness, blurred vision, and gonadal dysfunction. Vitamin D may cause abnormal calcium deposits in soft tissues when taken during kidney failure or in doses greater than 2,000 IU.
So what are the best vitamins for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
The AREDS2 formula is the most carefully studied vitamin combination proven to reduce the risk of vision loss in AMD. There are many companies that manufacture the AREDS2 formula, but the most economical source (to the best of my knowledge) is Equate Advanced Eye Care Complex from Walmart. Another more expensive brand is Preservision AREDS2. There is NO vitamin A or beta carotene in AREDS2. Be aware that mineral supplements such as zinc in the AREDS2 formula may interfere with the absorption of prescription medications such as thyroid pills. Therefore, take AREDS2 vitamins 4 hours apart from prescription medications to minimize their interactions. Iron supplements may worsen macular degeneration and should be avoided unless prescribed by a physician.
Click here to check updated prices of Preservision AREDS2 on Amazon.
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