The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and its follow-up study, AREDS-2, were large clinical trials that investigated the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of AMD. The studies found that certain nutrients, including antioxidants, carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, can help slow the progression of AMD and reduce the risk of vision loss.
The original AREDS study, which was conducted in the late 1990s, looked at the effects of a specific supplement regimen on the progression of AMD. The regimen included high doses of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene) and zinc, as well as copper to prevent zinc-induced anemia. The study found that this supplement combination reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD and delayed vision loss by 25% over five years in individuals with intermediate or advanced AMD in one or both eyes.
The AREDS-2 study, published in 2013, built on the original study by investigating the effects of additional nutrients, including lutein and zeaxanthin, on the progression of AMD. The study found that adding lutein and zeaxanthin to the original supplement combination did not provide additional benefits in terms of reducing the risk of AMD progression. However, the study did find that replacing beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin in the supplement regimen may be beneficial for smokers, as beta-carotene has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers.
The Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are found in high concentrations in the macula. They are thought to help protect the macula from oxidative damage by filtering out harmful blue light and acting as antioxidants. In addition to their role in the AREDS studies, lutein and zeaxanthin have been found to have other health benefits, including reducing the risk of cataracts and improving cognitive function.
The AREDS and AREDS-2 studies provide strong evidence that a nutrient-rich diet and targeted supplementation can help protect against the progression of AMD.
The AREDS-2 formula as in the clinical trials is:
Zinc (as zinc oxide) 80 mg
Vitamin C 500 mg
Vitamin E 400 IU
Copper (as cupric oxide) 2 mg
Lutein 10 mg
Zeaxanthin 2 mg
What products contain the correct AREDS-2 Formula?
While a healthy diet is crucial for preventing and slowing the progression of AMD, it is near impossible to get all the nutrients you need from food alone. That’s where supplements come in . We reccomend a supplement called Macutec Once Daily. Macutec contains all the proven AREDS-2 ingredients recommended by clinical investigators, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, in a convenient once-daily capsule. In fact, the lutein and zeaxanthin are from the same source as used in the clinical trials.
Macutec Once Daily has been formulated to deliver the optimal doses of each nutrient to support macula health and protect against the progression of AMD. By taking Macutec daily, patients with AMD can be confident they are getting the nutrients they need to support their eye health.
It’s important to note that while supplements like Macutec can be helpful, they should not be considered a replacement for a healthy diet. Rather, they should be used in conjunction with a nutrient-rich diet to ensure optimal macular health.
If you’re looking to reduce the risk of AMD progression, consider incorporating Macutec into your daily routine.