Vitamins and Minerals?

Some retina specialists believe that high doses of antioxidant vitamins and minerals may reduce the risk of progressing macular degeneration. However, this has yet to be proven. In spite of the uncertainty, there are companies advertising and marketing vitamins for macular degeneration. The nutrients under investigation include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, selenium and zinc. A few studies have shown that people with lower blood levels of particular antioxidant nutrients have a greater likelihood of also having macular degeneration. However, no study has yet shown that taking nutritional supplements offers any significant reduction in the risk of developing macular degeneration – or in the progression of macular degeneration.

Recently several health food remedies have also become very popular among patients with macular degeneration. These include bilberry and St. John’s wort. There have been no formal studies of these supplements – and no data to indicate any beneficial effect. But there are risks associated with the use of nutritional supplements.

One factor to consider is cost. Since many patients may take these supplements for years, the expense can add up to a significant amount of money.

Patients with macular degeneration often have other medical problems, and may be taking several medications. Adding another pill daily may increase the risk of patients getting confused or discouraged about the number of medications they are on. This could result in failing to take other essential medicines.

Finally, very high doses of certain vitamins may have toxic effects. Megadoses of zinc have been associated with anemia. Megadoses of vitamin E have been linked to increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Some of the supplements increase bleeding.