Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients can often benefit from taking specific vitamins and minerals to protect the macula, the central area of your retina that allows you to see fine details at close range and distance. Furthermore, such supplements may lower risk of advanced AMD – which is marked by blurry central vision and deposits known as drusen deposits – significantly.

Lutein

Lutein, a naturally-occurring carotenoid found in both retina and macula of the eye, is one of the most essential nutrients. As an antioxidant it acts as a light filter protecting eye tissues from harmful blue light rays as well as UV radiation; furthermore it reduces risk for AMD and cataracts. Lutein can be found abundantly in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, collard greens as well as egg yolks, orange/yellow fruits such as Kiwi Fruit carrots squash/corn while nuts (particularly pistachios) also provide rich sources of lutein.

An article published in August 2008 of Journal of Lipid Research suggests that SR-B1, or Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1, plays an essential role in transporting the xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin from bloodstream to retina of eye, as reported in an August 2008 journal article. When this protein is blocked by antibodies it decreases significantly their absorption rates into retina of eye.

Source Naturals offers FloraGLO, an extract of marigold flowers. This supplement provides 18 mg of lutein in a base of bilberry extract and multianthocyanidins (which act as powerful free-radical scavengers), providing ample eye health support. FloraGLO should be safe to take by most adults without any side effects; pregnant and nursing women should consult their physician first before beginning to take this dietary supplement.

Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin (pronounced z-zan’-thin) is one of two primary xanthophyll carotenoids in the eye, along with lutein. Both these antioxidants can be found in high concentration in the macula of retina and also come from eating leafy green vegetables, fruits and some seafood – while animals can obtain some through diet though their bioavailability is substantially less than with lutein.

Zeaxanthin can help protect against age-related vision loss. As an antioxidant, it may reduce cataract and macular degeneration risk as well as UV radiation and air pollution damage to eyes. You can find this supplement in foods like kale and spinach or taken as a supplement daily.

Studies have demonstrated that zeaxanthin may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Furthermore, it may reduce cataract risk and dry eye symptoms. Zeaxanthin appears to provide even greater benefits when taken alongside lutein.

Addition of lutein and zeaxanthin to your diet may significantly lower your chances of age-related macular degeneration or at least slow its progression. These carotenoids act as pigments to filter out high energy blue light while neutralizing oxidative damage caused by free radicals; furthermore, studies have demonstrated that supplementing with zeaxanthin significantly decreased conversion from unilateral to bilateral AMD cases in patients.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with numerous essential functions in the body. It comes in two forms – preformed retinol and beta-carotene. When converted, beta-carotene becomes retinol which the body converts into its use for healthy eyes, skin and bones; protecting against dry eyes, night blindness and age related macular degeneration as well as supporting immune system function and helping cells resist oxidation.

Dietary sources of preformed vitamin A include beef or chicken liver, cod liver oil, eggs and milk. As vitamin A can be toxic in high doses, its consumption should be limited as symptoms of overexposure may include nausea, bone pain and skin rashes on the face. Furthermore, high-dose supplements or injections of Vitamin A during pregnancy or breastfeeding must also be avoided to ensure the best health outcome for both mother and baby.

Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin include cooked spinach, collards, kale and turnip greens as well as eggs, salmon and carrots. Omega-3 fish oil supplements may help lower your risk for macular degeneration as well as other eye diseases; vitamin C and E antioxidants also play a key role in eye health; these may even slow age-related macular degeneration progression.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps safeguard eyes by decreasing risk for age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and dry eye syndrome. It may also metabolize tryptophan, increase thyroid hormone production and lower cholesterol. Finally, it aids the body in producing collagen protein found in tissues like skin, bone and teeth – foods rich in Vitamin C include cooked kale, spinach collard greens as well as berries; additional supplements are available as well.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting bone health and maintaining immune function. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory, proapoptotic and antiangiogenic properties as well as cell differentiation properties and may reduce cholesterol levels in blood. Research studies indicate that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) promotes cell differentiation while simultaneously inhibiting cancer cell growth – all qualities associated with reduced cholesterol levels and potentially improved overall health outcomes. Deficiencies of vitamin D have been associated with poor bone health including soft bones and eye disease including macular degeneration; thus diet high in calcium and vitamin D are vitally important to ensure bone health benefits.

Sunlight helps stimulate vitamin D production in our skins. Food sources of this nutrient include salmon, sardines, mackerel, egg yolks, milk and orange juice fortified with vitamin D. The recommended upper limit of vitamin D intake per day for infants under one year old; 1500IU/day for children up to age 18 years; and 2000 IU/d for adults 19 years or older.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, one of the body’s key antioxidants, protects against oxidative damage and free radical formation by neutralizing free radicals that form. As one of the major anti-oxidants available to us today, it may help prevent heart disease, cancer and age-related macular degeneration (although controlled clinical trials have yielded mixed results). Phosphorous also helps stabilize blood clotting factors, reduce stroke risks, lower cholesterol and protect against cognitive decline and neuropathy. A lack of this nutrient may result in muscle weakness, coordination issues when walking as well as numbness/tingling sensations in hands/feet. Vitamin E deficiency can hinder immune function and make infections harder to fight off, making them harder to fight off in general. Lack of natural sources in diet or genetic conditions such as Biliary Atresia or Malabsorption Syndromes could all be contributing factors.

Orally administered doses can range up to 800 IU per day based on product and manufacturer label instructions for dosing.

Be cautious when taking other drugs which inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes, including antifungals like Clotrimazole; Cimetidine; Felopridine, Gemfibrozil, Imipramine, Nefazodone and Phenytoin are among those to watch out for when used together.