Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Progressive vision loss affecting the central visual field.
Specific combination of vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400 IU), lutein (10mg), zeaxanthin (2mg), zinc (80mg), and copper (2mg) validated by the NIH-funded AREDS2 trial for slowing AMD progression.
Essential trace mineral. Included in AREDS2 formula to offset copper depletion from high-dose zinc. Most people get adequate copper from diet.
Carotenoid pigments forming macular pigment that filters blue light and protects photoreceptors. The only carotenoids found in the human lens and retina. AREDS2 validated their role.
Essential antioxidant vitamin. Included in AREDS2 formula for AMD. Supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption. Megadose claims are largely unsupported.
Fat-soluble antioxidant. Part of AREDS2 formula for AMD. SELECT trial raised concerns about prostate cancer risk at high doses. Mixed tocopherols may be safer than alpha-tocopherol alone.
Essential trace mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. Zinc deficiency is linked to tinnitus in multiple studies. Also critical for immune function, wound healing, and retinal health.
Plant-based source of DHA and EPA from microalgae — the same source fish get their omega-3s from. Suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Equivalent bioavailability to fish oil.
Carotenoid from microalgae — gives salmon and flamingos their color. Estimated 6,000x stronger than vitamin C in singlet oxygen quenching. Crosses blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers.
Essential fatty acids the body cannot produce. EPA and DHA support cardiovascular health, reduce triglycerides, and have anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most studied supplements in existence.
Expensive spice with surprisingly strong evidence for depression and emerging evidence for AMD. Crocin and safranal are the active compounds. Multiple well-designed RCTs.
Provitamin A carotenoid. Was included in original AREDS formula for AMD but removed in AREDS2 due to increased lung cancer risk in smokers. Replaced by lutein/zeaxanthin.
European relative of blueberry. Rich in anthocyanins. WWII-era claims about RAF pilots' night vision drove popularity. Modern evidence is modest for eye health.
Naturally occurring brain compound that provides both choline and cytidine. Supports cell membrane synthesis and neurotransmitter production. Better studied for stroke recovery and cognitive function than most nootropics.
Essential trace mineral with antioxidant properties. Necessary for thyroid function and glutathione production. Excess can be toxic — narrow therapeutic window.
Essential fat-soluble vitamin for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Preformed vitamin A (retinol) has toxicity risk. Beta-carotene is the safer provitamin A form.
There are other evidence-based interventions studied for macular degeneration: