No AMD Both Eyes
Studied in AREDS only (no participants without AMD were included in AREDS2), participants with this combination were put in a separate part of the clinical trial to study the effect of antioxidants on cataract formation where half got a placebo & half got the antioxidants only (no zinc). The antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Beta Carotene. In 2017, AREDS data from the cataract part was studied by Awh, Zanke and Kustra (2017) and they concluded that taking these high-dose antioxidants may harm those with a specific genotype. Because of that, the recommendation from study is to NOT take the AREDS or AREDS2 supplements if you do NOT have AMD. For more information about genetic testing, see References below.
References
- AREDS article: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial of High-Dose Supplementation With Vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene, and Zinc for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Vision Loss
- AREDS2 article: Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial
- Awh, Zanke and Kustra (2017): Progression From No AMD to Intermediate AMD as Influenced by Antioxidant Treatment and Genetic Risk: An Analysis of Data From the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Cataract Trial
- Vavvas & colleagues (2018) CFH and ARMS2 genetic risk determines progression to neovascular age-related macular degeneration after antioxidant and zinc supplementation
- AREDS/AREDS2 supplement sources: Eye Supplements for AMD and Where to Buy Vitamins
- Article about genetic testing with contact information: Genetic testing for AMD: first step toward personalized medicine in eye care
- AREDS 80mg zinc risk, 2018 research: CFH and ARMS2 genetic risk determines progression to neovascular age-related macular degeneration after antioxidant and zinc supplementation.