Helpful Natural Supplements and Treatments
OVERVIEW
Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD), affects the macula, which is a small spot located at the center of the eye’s retina. It allows for focused, straight-ahead vision. When the macula becomes damaged, vision needed for reading and seeing fine details is gradually lost. There are two forms of AMD. The dry form is the most common (about 90%), progresses slowly, and is less severe. The wet form has abnormal growth of blood vessels beneath the macula, causing more rapid and extensive cell damage. People at greater risk for AMD include those with light-colored eyes, and those with diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Heredity, smoking, being female, and spending a lot of time in sunlight, are also risk factors.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
There are several natural supplements that may help with macular degeneration. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.*
*PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to make sure that supplements do not interfere with your medications or an existing health condition. First check with your doctor before trying any supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals
Beta-Carotene: Beta-Carotene is classified as a member of the carotenoid family. There are more than 500 different carotenoids, including other carotenes, xanthophylls, and lycopene. Beta-carotene is a precursor (provitamin A) to retinol (preformed vitamin A). It is converted to vitamin A in the liver as needed. When combined with other antioxidants, research showed a reduction of risk for AMD.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is classified as a water-soluble vitamin. It maintains intracellular cement substance with preservation of capillary integrity, acts as a co-substrate in hydroxylation reactions requiring molecular oxygen, is important in immune response, wound healing, and allergic reactions, and increases absorption of nonheme (plant source) iron. When combined with other antioxidants, research showed a reduction of risk for AMD.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is classified as a fat-soluble vitamin. A strong antioxidant, it may help prevent oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A in the intestinal tract and body tissues. Vitamin E also protects red blood cells from hemolysis, and has roles in reproduction (in animals), epithelial tissue maintenance, and prostaglandin synthesis. When combined with other antioxidants, research showed a reduction of risk for AMD.
Zinc: Zinc is classified as a trace mineral. It is a component of many enzyme systems and of insulin. It is important in nucleic acid metabolism, and has roles in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, collagen formation, alcohol detoxification, carbon dioxide elimination, sexual maturation, immune system, and taste and smell functions. When combined with other antioxidants, research showed a reduction of risk for AMD.
Less Helpful: selenium.
Other Supplements
Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophylls, members of the carotenoid family. They are isomers of each other. They are the primary carotenoids found in the macula, the central area of the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin are most beneficial for vision. They may act as filters to protect the macula from some damaging forms of light (blue and near-ultraviolet).
Omega-3 Fatty Acid (DHA): Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are precursors of the hormone-like eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes) that participate in the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate, vascular dilation, blood clotting, lipolysis, immune response, and the central nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) balance the action of arachidonic acid (excess AA metabolites can cause inflammation). DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), like EPA, is found in fish oil. Unlike EPA, though, an increased intake DHA is associated with a lowered risk of AMD.
Less Helpful: taurine.
Herbs
Ginkgo: Ginkgo is the oldest living tree species. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, but is also found throughout Europe and North America. It is often used as an ornamental tree. Active ingredients include flavonoids, biflavonoides, and proanthocyanidins. Ginkgo leaves are the source used in supplements. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is among the leading prescription medicines in both Germany and France, and worldwide, millions of prescriptions are written for it annually. Some research shows that ginkgo can improve symptoms associated with AMD.
Less Helpful: bilberry, grape seed.
COMMENTS
There is no conventional treatment for the dry form of macular degeneration, but antioxidants are thought to slow its progression. If done before there is significant damage, surgery can help with the wet form. Eat a colorful diet containing vegetables and fruit, especially berries. Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors.
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.
John Pillepich. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.
OVERVIEW
Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD), affects the macula, which is a small spot located at the center of the eye’s retina. It allows for focused, straight-ahead vision. When the macula becomes damaged, vision needed for reading and seeing fine details is gradually lost. There are two forms of AMD. The dry form is the most common (about 90%), progresses slowly, and is less severe. The wet form has abnormal growth of blood vessels beneath the macula, causing more rapid and extensive cell damage. People at greater risk for AMD include those with light-colored eyes, and those with diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Heredity, smoking, being female, and spending a lot of time in sunlight, are also risk factors.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION
There are several natural supplements that may help with macular degeneration. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.*
*PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to make sure that supplements do not interfere with your medications or an existing health condition. First check with your doctor before trying any supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals
Beta-Carotene: Beta-Carotene is classified as a member of the carotenoid family. There are more than 500 different carotenoids, including other carotenes, xanthophylls, and lycopene. Beta-carotene is a precursor (provitamin A) to retinol (preformed vitamin A). It is converted to vitamin A in the liver as needed. When combined with other antioxidants, research showed a reduction of risk for AMD.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is classified as a water-soluble vitamin. It maintains intracellular cement substance with preservation of capillary integrity, acts as a co-substrate in hydroxylation reactions requiring molecular oxygen, is important in immune response, wound healing, and allergic reactions, and increases absorption of nonheme (plant source) iron. When combined with other antioxidants, research showed a reduction of risk for AMD.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is classified as a fat-soluble vitamin. A strong antioxidant, it may help prevent oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A in the intestinal tract and body tissues. Vitamin E also protects red blood cells from hemolysis, and has roles in reproduction (in animals), epithelial tissue maintenance, and prostaglandin synthesis. When combined with other antioxidants, research showed a reduction of risk for AMD.
Zinc: Zinc is classified as a trace mineral. It is a component of many enzyme systems and of insulin. It is important in nucleic acid metabolism, and has roles in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, collagen formation, alcohol detoxification, carbon dioxide elimination, sexual maturation, immune system, and taste and smell functions. When combined with other antioxidants, research showed a reduction of risk for AMD.
Less Helpful: selenium.
Other Supplements
Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophylls, members of the carotenoid family. They are isomers of each other. They are the primary carotenoids found in the macula, the central area of the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin are most beneficial for vision. They may act as filters to protect the macula from some damaging forms of light (blue and near-ultraviolet).
Omega-3 Fatty Acid (DHA): Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are precursors of the hormone-like eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes) that participate in the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate, vascular dilation, blood clotting, lipolysis, immune response, and the central nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) balance the action of arachidonic acid (excess AA metabolites can cause inflammation). DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), like EPA, is found in fish oil. Unlike EPA, though, an increased intake DHA is associated with a lowered risk of AMD.
Less Helpful: taurine.
Herbs
Ginkgo: Ginkgo is the oldest living tree species. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea, but is also found throughout Europe and North America. It is often used as an ornamental tree. Active ingredients include flavonoids, biflavonoides, and proanthocyanidins. Ginkgo leaves are the source used in supplements. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is among the leading prescription medicines in both Germany and France, and worldwide, millions of prescriptions are written for it annually. Some research shows that ginkgo can improve symptoms associated with AMD.
Less Helpful: bilberry, grape seed.
COMMENTS
There is no conventional treatment for the dry form of macular degeneration, but antioxidants are thought to slow its progression. If done before there is significant damage, surgery can help with the wet form. Eat a colorful diet containing vegetables and fruit, especially berries. Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors.
References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.
John Pillepich. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.
FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS*
- Age-Less Paks
- Antioxidant Caps
- C-500
- E-400 w/Selenium
- Zinc Complex
- Lutein Plus
- Ginkgo Biloba
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern.
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