A dietary supplement containing high levels of certain vitamins and minerals appears to lower the risk of blindness in some elderly individuals. However, the same supplements did not reduce the risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that can occur with age.

Individuals at high risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who took a high-dose combination of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and the mineral zinc lowered their risk of the disease by 25%. The supplements had no apparent effect on those who were not at risk.

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in elderly Americans

AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the tissue at the back of the eye, leading to blistering and scarring of the retina. The disease affects central vision needed for reading, driving and recognizing faces, but patients are often able to detect colors and see with their peripheral vision.

There is no cure for AMD.

While the supplements did not restore vision that had already been lost, they slowed the progression of vision loss in some individuals with intermediate or advanced AMD. These individuals "should consider taking a supplement of antioxidants plus zinc," according to the researchers from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group.

In the study, more than 3,600 people aged 55 to 80 years at risk for AMD received a daily dietary supplement. The supplement consisted of either 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, 400 international units of vitamin E and 15 mg of beta-carotene; 80 mg of zinc and 2 mg of copper; antioxidants and zinc; or an inactive pill (placebo).

Study participants at high risk of developing vision loss associated with AMD who took antioxidants and zinc were less likely than those who took only antioxidants or only zinc to lose their vision over the 6-year study. Individuals who took a placebo were the most likely to develop advanced AMD and vision loss.

Even among those who took a daily multivitamin in addition to the assigned supplement, the high-dose supplement was associated with a decreased risk of vision loss. Although the nutrients found in the supplements occur naturally in many foods, sufficient levels may be difficult to obtain through diet alone.

In a related study, the supplements did not reduce the risk of cataracts in the same group of patients over 7 years.

Archives of Ophthalmology October 2001;119:1417-1436, 1439-1452, 1533-1534

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

The research was funded by the National Eye Institute, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. Bausch & Lomb provided the supplements used in the studies. Individual researchers have no financial stake in the supplements used in the study. In other words this was a clean study. Something most unusual in the past few years. What amazes me is the profound benefit that was observed despite not receiving even more profoundly effective supplements for AMD. A far more effective program would include careful attention to the eating plan. Some very important elements of this plan are listed below: 1. Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in cod liver oil are necessary. My favorite brand is Carlson's lemon-flavored oil. 2. Consumption of spinach and kale. 3. A daily food supplement regimen that include lutein (6-12 mg), vitamin E (200-400 IU), selenium (organic, nor selenate or selenite) 200 mcg; vitamin B12, 300 mcg; magnesium 400 mg; vitamin C 500-2000 mg; bilberry 120-240 mg; DHA-rich fish oil providing 1000 mg of DHA; sulfur-bearing nutrients (glutathione, lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine or taurine). 4. Avoid high-dose calcium supplements without balancing magnesium. 5. Avoid hydrogenated fats that interfere with the omega-3 fats. 6. Avoid very low-fat diets, that rob the retina of omega-3 fats. 7. Eat sulfur-rich foods, such as garlic, eggs, asparagus, onions. Related Articles: Avoiding Visual Degeneration Fish Protect Against Macular Degeneration