Posted on 06/02/2022 7:07:00 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) established that dietary supplements can slow progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in older Americans. In a new report, scientists analyzed 10 years of AREDS2 data. They show that the AREDS2 formula, which substituted antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, not only reduces risk of lung cancer due to beta-carotene, but is also more effective at reducing risk of AMD progression, compared to the original formula.
AMD is a degenerative disease of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Progressive death of retinal cells in the macula, the part of the retina that provides clear central vision, eventually leads to blindness. Treatment can slow or reverse vision loss; however, no cure for AMD exists.
…In AREDS2, begun in 2006, the researchers concluded that lutein and zeaxanthin did not increase risk for lung cancer, and that the new formation could reduce the risk of AMD progression by about 26%.
In this new report, the researchers followed up with the original AREDS2 participants an additional five years from the end of the AREDS2 study in 2011, collecting information on whether their AMD had progressed to late disease, and whether they had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Even though all the participants had switched to the formula containing lutein and zeaxanthin after the end of the study period, the follow up study continued to show that beta-carotene increased risk of lung cancer for people who had ever smoked by nearly double. There was no increased risk for lung cancer in those receiving lutein/zeaxanthin. In addition, after 10 years, the group originally assigned to receive lutein/zeaxanthin had an additional 20% reduced risk of progression to late AMD compared to those originally assigned to receive beta-carotene.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
The original AREDS formula causes the likelihood of ling cancer to go up in smokers, due to beta carotene (a form of Vitamin A).
TKU
for good article confirmaing others studies, My mom’s opthamologist, has Phd also from UCLA and recommended Areds 2 2x a day, she has been faithfully taking it 2x a day for years, she is now 98 years old and has no more signs of glaucoma increasing, her vision is 20/30, Her sight has actually improved over the years
So if you have never smoked, can you take AREDS2 plus beta carotene and get extra protection for your eyes that way?
Yes.
We started AREDS2 about 2 years ago on the advice of our ophthalmologist since we each have one parent with it. I was aware of the zinc issue, and so counted all that we had in other supplements, so we only take the correct amount each day. Your note is appreciated, because others may not realize this (zinc overdose) is an issue.
Dried goji berries may provide protection against age-related vision loss (1 oz/day provides 28.8 mg Zeaxanthin - Lutein 6mg/Zeaxanthin 4mg supplement did nothing)
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4029249/posts
My wife and I have been eating a half ounce or more a day, since. We use the Terrasoul Superfoods brand, in their large bags, bought on sale. However, we've bought the brand you posted for other fried fruits, and it's a good brand, too.
Beer , cakes’ pies..etc. My plan for longevity!!!
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