Do Nutritional Supplements Have a Role in Age Macular Degeneration Prevention?

Abstract

Purpose. To review the proposed pathogenic mechanisms of age macular degeneration (AMD), as well as the role of antioxidants (AOX) and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) supplements in AMD prevention. Materials and Methods. Current knowledge on the cellular/molecular mechanisms of AMD and the epidemiologic/experimental studies on the effects of AOX and ω-3 were addressed all together with the scientific evidence and the personal opinion of professionals involved in the Retina Group of the OFTARED (Spain). Results. High dietary intakes of ω-3 and macular pigments lutein/zeaxanthin are associated with lower risk of prevalence and incidence in AMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease study (AREDS) showed a beneficial effect of high doses of vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, and zinc/copper in reducing the rate of progression to advanced AMD in patients with intermediate AMD or with one-sided late AMD. The AREDS-2 study has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin may substitute beta-carotene because of its potential relationship with increased lung cancer incidence. Conclusion. Research has proved that elder people with poor diets, especially with low AOX and ω-3 micronutrients intake and subsequently having low plasmatic levels, are more prone to developing AMD. Micronutrient supplementation enhances antioxidant defense and healthy eyes and might prevent/retard/modify AMD.

Ocular Surface and Tear Film Changes in Older Women Working with Computers

“…The antioxidant vitamins and essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (including ω 3 and ω 6) must be taken in the diet daily to meet physiological needs. However, epidemiological studies in well-nourished western populations suggested a role for nutritional supplements in delaying the onset of these disorders, but it is not yet possible to conclude that oral supplements can prevent cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration [ 37 – 39 ]. In the case of ω 3 fatty acids, these cannot be synthesized in sufficient amounts in the body, and deficiencies (that can worsen with aging) may cause well-defined symptoms [ 40 , 41 ].…”

Review of clinical approaches in fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy

“…119 However, various studies have published discordant results, and no uniform recommendation on the supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin has been made so far. 69,111,115,116,[120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128] Both forms of AMD may lead to atrophy of the retina in their end-stages. The late stage of nonexudative AMD is called geographic atrophy (GA), and literature uses the term "macular atrophy" in cases of advanced exudative AMD.…”

Current bioeconomical interest in stramenopilic Eustigmatophyceae: a review

“…Humans and animals cannot synthesize Lut and can naturally obtain it by ingesting plants. Despite controversial opinions on its exact role and even underestimation and underappreciation by clinicians and vision researchers, recent studies show that dietary supplements containing Lut reduce progression of agerelated macular degeneration and cataract formation, enhance curation of other ocular diseases and support the functions of normal eyes [31][32][33][34][35][36][37]. Moreover, it was extensively reported that consumption of food rich in Lut is associated with lower incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases [37].…”