Do nutritional supplements have a role in age macular degeneration prevention?

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 (omega-3) supplements in AMD prevention. Materials and Methods. Current knowledge on the cellular/molecular mechanisms of AMD and the epidemiolog...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of ophthalmology 2014-01
Main Authors: Pinazo Durán, Maria D, Gómez Ulla, Francisco, Arias Barquet, Lluís, Araiz, Javier, Casaroli Marano, Ricardo Pedro, Gallego Pinazo, Roberto, García Medina, Jose J, López Gálvez, María Isabel, Manzanas, Lucía, Salas, Anna, Zapata, Miguel, Diaz Llopis, Manuel, García Layana, Alfredo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dietary supplements
Malalties de la retina
Retinal diseases
Suplements nutritius
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Summary: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 (omega-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 omega-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 omega-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 omega-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.
ISSN:2090-004X