The devastating effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are better reduced with Lutein and Zeaxanthin than with Beta-Carotene or Omega 3’s according to a study of almost 3000 individuals.
In an original 2006 AREDS cohort study, participants with AMD were randomly assigned to take Omega-3, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, or a placebo with a secondary introduction of low or high doses of Zinc.
Equal participants were divided into 4 major groups:
AREDS2 supplements (Lutein/Zeaxanthin, Vitamins C and E, Zinc and Copper)
Just Omega-3s
AREDS2 supplement plus Omega-3s
Placebo
In the second AREDS2 five year study all the individuals still participating in the study were given the Lutein/Zeaxanthin AREDS2 blend since the earlier study had determined no late-AMD effect for the Omega-3 DHA/EPA blend. 90% of the remaining individuals still participating in the study were believed to have taken the AREDS2 blend mailed to them. Using the Kaplan-Meier event probability model, it was estimated that 47.9% of the Lutein/Zeaxanthin group saw progression to late AMD by the 10 year mark compared with 49% not taking Lutein/Zeaxanthin and 52.2% of participants supplementing with Beta Carotene alone.
This current five year cohort analysis is a follow up to the 2 AREDS/AREDS2 clinical trials sponsored by the National Eye Institute. Researchers found the Lutein/Zeaxanthin blend reduced the progression of Age Related Macular Degeneration by an additional 10-20%.
In the United States, Age related Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly population. It is believed that approximately 288 million people will be affected by AMD by the year 2040.
Further research is needed.
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