Supplements

Supplements are vitamins, minerals or other substances taken in tablet form. The use of supplements for macula health is broadly divided into two areas: supplements for the diet and AREDS 2 supplements.

It is important to speak to a health care professional about the most appropriate supplement for your individual needs. 

Supplementing your diet

If your dietary intake of nutrients, particularly eye health nutrients, is inadequate a supplement may be considered. This can be appropriate whether or not you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration.

Lutein 

Lutein is a particularly important antioxidant for eye health. If you are over 50 or have a family history of age-related macular degeneration, and are not eating sufficient dark green leafy vegetables, a lutein supplement may be appropriate. A daily lutein intake of 6 –10mg from a supplement is generally considered adequate.

Omega-3 

There is a substantial body of evidence supporting the consumption of actual fish (two to three serves per week) to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. If you eat adequate fish, current evidence shows that a fish oil supplement provides no additional benefit. If you do not eat two to three serves of fish per week, a fish oil supplement may, on balance, be worth consideration. However, there is a lack of evidence from large randomised trials to confirm this. As fish oil may also be beneficial for other medical conditions, you should discuss this with your doctor.

AREDS based supplements

People who have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration should consider taking a supplement based on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies are the only studies for which there is good, long-term, evidence for the benefits of high dose nutrients for people diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration.

The original AREDS study showed that a supplement based on a specific formula of zinc and antioxidants slowed the progression of age-related macular degeneration for people in the intermediate stage in one or both eyes, or in the late stage in one eye. The AREDS formula reduced the risk of progression of the disease in these groups by 20 to 25% and delayed vision loss.

The AREDS study showed that the formula had no effect on people with no age-related macular degeneration, or only very early signs of the disease (eg a few small drusen), or people with advanced disease in both eyes. An optimal eye health diet is more appropriate for these people.

In May 2013, the AREDS researchers announced the results of their follow-up study, AREDS2. Their recommendation was the continued use of the original AREDS formulation, but with beta-carotene removed, and replaced by lutein/zeaxanthin.

Supplements are not a cure for macular degeneration. The AREDS study shows that taking the AREDS formula may reduce the risk of progression; it does not stop or reverse damage caused by the disease.

AREDS2 products

There are a number of supplements available that reflect the AREDS2 formula. Check the label and ensure the product contains the correct ingredients in the correct ratio from the AREDS2 study.

Due to current regulations, the label on the product will typically say “take one tablet per day or as professionally prescribed”. However, typically more than one tablet is required to get the AREDS2 dose so please consult your doctor.

It is impractical to obtain the level of AREDS2 nutrients through diet alone. For example, to get the same quantity of zinc you would need to eat around 135g of oysters each day.

Consult a doctor before you make any changes in your diet or lifestyle, including taking any supplement. Be sure to inform your doctor of your medical conditions and if you are taking any other medications, vitamins or mineral supplements. 

Read the latest research findings on AREDS2.