From the Guidelines
AREDS supplements are recommended for individuals with a family history of macular degeneration, as they have been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25% over five years in people at high risk. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) defined a role for nutritional supplements for slowing the progression of AMD, and the AREDS2 supplement formulation has been shown to have preventive efficacy in higher-risk groups 1. Key components of the AREDS2 formula include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which support retinal health by providing antioxidant protection against oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to macular damage.
Some of the key benefits of AREDS supplements include:
- Reducing the risk of progression to advanced AMD by about 25% over five years in people at high risk 1
- Decreasing the risk of visual acuity loss of at least 15 letters in participants with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye 1
- Providing antioxidant protection against oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to macular damage
It is essential to consult with an eye care specialist before starting any supplement, as they can evaluate specific risk factors and determine if AREDS supplements are appropriate for an individual's situation 1. The standard AREDS2 formula typically includes 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 80 mg zinc, 2 mg copper, 10 mg lutein, and 2 mg zeaxanthin daily.
In terms of specific populations, the AREDS2 formulation is most beneficial for those with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye, and individuals with a family history of macular degeneration are at increased risk of developing the condition themselves, making preventive measures particularly important 1.
From the Research
AREDS Supplement and Family History of Macular Degeneration
- The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formulation has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in individuals with intermediate or advanced AMD 2.
- The AREDS2 study found that adding lutein + zeaxanthin, DHA + EPA, or both to the AREDS formulation did not further reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD 3.
- However, the study suggested that lutein + zeaxanthin could be an appropriate carotenoid substitute in the AREDS formulation, especially for former smokers, due to the potential increased incidence of lung cancer associated with beta carotene 3.
- A secondary analysis of the AREDS2 study found that lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of progression to late AMD, particularly in individuals with bilateral large drusen at baseline 4.
- Genetic factors, such as complement factor H (CFH) and age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) genotype, may influence the effectiveness of the AREDS formulation in preventing progression to neovascular AMD 5.
Key Findings
- The AREDS formulation is beneficial in reducing the risk of progression to advanced AMD in individuals with intermediate or advanced AMD 2.
- Lutein + zeaxanthin may be a suitable substitute for beta carotene in the AREDS formulation, especially for former smokers 3.
- Genetic factors may play a role in determining the effectiveness of the AREDS formulation in preventing progression to neovascular AMD 5.
Considerations for Individuals with a Family History of Macular Degeneration
- Individuals with a family history of macular degeneration may benefit from taking the AREDS formulation, especially if they have intermediate or advanced AMD 2.
- However, the effectiveness of the AREDS formulation may depend on individual genetic factors, such as CFH and ARMS2 genotype 5.
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal formulation and dosage of the AREDS supplement for individuals with a family history of macular degeneration.