Nutraceuticals, Supplements & Vitamins - Michigan Optometric ...

Nutritional Supplements for Prevention of
ARMD
• CAREDS
– diets rich in lutein plus zeaxanthin may protect
against intermediate ARMD in healthy women
younger than 75 years of age
Nutritional Supplements for Prevention of
ARMD
Beta Carotene, Retinols
• Beta carotene not found in significant amounts in the
eye but still important in rod photo-physiology, binds
with protein opsin in rods to form rhodopsin
• Retinol essential for proper wound healing and
immune function
• Important for goblet cell metabolism and production
of mucins in tear film
• No significant benefits for prevention of ARMD by
itself
• High levels linked to increased incidence of lung
cancer in heavy smokers
Nutritional Supplements for Prevention of
ARMD
• Omega 3 supplementation eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA)
• Believed to regulate levels of Omega 6 amino acid
• Omega 6 implicated in abnormal retinal
neovascularization, vascular permeability, and retinal
inflammation
• EPA also depresses VEGF receptor activation and
expression
Nutritional Supplements for Prevention of
ARMD
Lycopene
– Strong antioxidant activity
– Protective effect against aging of retinal pigment
epithelial cells
– Although not involved in macula, found in high
concentrations in the ciliary body and RPE
Nutritional Supplements for Prevention of
ARMD
• Omega 3 supplementation docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA) 500 mg/day may improve cell biogenesis and
neuronal signaling
• Major component of retinal photoreceptors outer
segment membranes
• Synaptic membranes and photoreceptors have
highest concentration of DHA
• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) - concentrated in
phospholipids of retina and brain
Nutritional Supplements for Prevention of
ARMD
• AREDS researchers surveyed subjects on dietary
components
• Subjects with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acid
intake had decreased risk of neovascular ARMD
• Those with higher levels of serum vitamin D less
likely to develop early dry ARMD
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