Generic Name for AREDS
The AREDS formulation consists of vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), beta-carotene (15 mg), zinc (80 mg), and copper (2 mg) - these are the generic names of the individual components that make up the AREDS supplement. 1
Understanding AREDS Composition
There is no single "generic name" for AREDS because it is not a single drug but rather a specific combination of vitamins and minerals. The formulation was established through the Age-Related Eye Disease Study and consists of:
- Vitamin C: 500 mg
- Vitamin E: 400 IU
- Beta-carotene: 15 mg (often replaced in AREDS2)
- Zinc: 80 mg (or 25 mg in modified versions)
- Copper: 2 mg 1, 2
AREDS2 Modifications
The AREDS2 formulation made important changes to the original formula:
- Added lutein (10 mg) and zeaxanthin (2 mg) as alternatives to beta-carotene 2
- Added omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid 650 mg + docosahexaenoic acid 350 mg) 2
- Reduced zinc option to 25 mg (shown to be equally effective with fewer side effects) 1
- Omitted beta-carotene in some formulations due to lung cancer risk in smokers 1
Clinical Caveat
Beta-carotene should be avoided in current smokers due to an 18% increased cumulative incidence of lung cancer (95% CI, 3%-36%; P=0.01) and a relative risk of 1.28 (95% CI, 1.04-1.57; P=0.02) 1. This is why AREDS2 evaluated lutein/zeaxanthin as safer alternatives.
Important Note on Commercial Products
Recent analysis shows that most over-the-counter supplements marketed for macular health deviate significantly from the evidence-based AREDS2 formulation, with vitamin C levels averaging 52.3% lower, vitamin E 61.2% lower, and zinc 40.1% lower than recommended 3. When prescribing, specify the exact AREDS or AREDS2 formulation rather than relying on vague "macular health" supplements.