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Macular Degeneration Vitamins for Smokers

by Janet
(Canada)

I have been reading up on EyeMAx Plus? My 83 year old mother has dry macular degeneration. Unfortunately she does smoke but not heavy.

Just wondering if you have ever heard of this product? It does contain beta carotene. It is my understanding that someone who smokes should stay away from high levels of beta carotene.

Right now my mother is taking vitalux (2 daily) smokers formula. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

REPLY

Hi Janet,

Thanks for your great question. Dan Roberts from MD Support has written an article that addresses this topic with some new findings:

Beta-Carotene and Smoking

Kind Regards,

Leslie

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Macular Degeneration Nutritional Supplements

by Shirley
(New Jersey, USA)

Hi Leslie,

I originally sent this post it did not appear. I will try again.

In Dr. Robert Rowen's April issue of Second Opinion he discusses how 3 nutrients resulted in statistically significant improvements in central visual field and fundus alterations after a period of three to six months in an Italian study.

The three nutrients were CoQ10 (50 mg. daily) omega-3 fatty acids and acetyl-L-Carnitine (100 mg. daily)

Have you heard about this study?

REPLY

Hi Shirley,

Yes, there was a study done at the University of Rome by Dr. Janos Feher. To read a brief synopsis of this study go to:

CoQ10 Study and Macular Degeneration

For macular degeneration nutritional supplements that has CoQ10 and L-carnitine go here:

CoQ10 and L-Carnitine Supplements

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner,RN, BSN

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by W. C.
(Chickamauga, GA. USA)

My drug plan provides 90-day supply of any medication for $7.00. Can I get prescription eye vitamins instead of over-the counter Eye Vitamins (AREDS)? This would no doubt be more economical.

Answer

I am not aware of any prescription vitamins that are similar to "over-the-counter" AREDS vitamins. By definition, one of the large differences between vitamins and prescription drugs are that; vitamins do not claim to cure anything and are not studied for safety/toxicity whereas prescription drugs have specific curative attributes and have been well studied for safety.

On the other hand, I would check with your specific plan to see if the vitamins are indeed on the formulary. The formulary is the list of drugs and medications that has been approved by your insurance plan. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Let us know what happens. This may be helpful information for our readers!

Randall V. Wong, M.D.

Retina Specialist Fairfax, Virginia

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Eye Vitamins with Beta-Carotene?

by Ms. E.
(United States)

Question Please.

I was diagnosed with cataracts and AMD in both eyes a few months ago. The cataract surgery was done in rt eye and one week later had macular edema in the surgical eye..

Was referred to a retina specialist and here is my question: The retinal doctor recommended a formula that does not contain Beta Carotene in the formula but my home surgeon highly recommends Beta Carotene 25,000 units a day.

Both say they are following the AREDS formula. I recognize there is a AREDS study 1 and 2 but I am not a smoker and want to take what is necessary to keep my vision.

Can you answer my question?

REPLY

Hi Ms. E.

This is a bit confusing. The Age Related Eye Disease Study used:

√ 500 milligrams of vitamin C

√ International Units of vitamin E

√ 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A)

√ 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide

√ 2 milligrams of copper as cupric oxide

Copper was added to the AREDS formulations containing zinc to prevent copper deficiency anemia, a condition associated with high levels of zinc intake.

Ask your retinal doctor why he recommends an eye vitamin without the beta-carotene.

Kind Regards,

Leslie

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Macular Degeneration Reversed

by Irving. M.D.
(Swarthmore, PA)

I was diagnosed with early dry macular degeneration over eight months ago.

I started on a vitamin combination, Preservision and saw the ophthalmologist eight months later. He said the evidence of the macular degeneration was gone.

I think it was a miracle but he said that he has seen this in the past and maybe the vitamins were responsible for the results.

My understanding is that the vitamins may slow down the progression but not reverse it. What are your thoughts?

REPLY

Hello Dr. Irving,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. It is possible to reverse early dry macular degeneration as well as many other health conditions by making changes in our lifestyle, diet and/or adding macular degeneration nutritional supplements.

However, in addition to taking supplements, if a person also adheres to a macular degeneration diet they may experience a longer delay in the onset of it or prevent the occurence of it.

Thanks again for sharing with us.

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

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Red Dye 40 as an ingredient in Preservision AREDS

by Connie
(Omaha, NE USA)

Can I buy ocular vitamins without any red dye #40? The side effects I have to this food dye is increased blood pressure.

Since the macula is affected when the capillaries and arteries do not receive enough oxygen, cutting off that blood to the macula impairs to action of these blood vessels.

Doesn't seem as though this dye is an essential ingredient in these vitamins, so besides providing color, why does this dye even have to be present?

REPLY

Dear Connie,

FD&C Red Dye #40 is one of the most common food dyes used in vitamins and medications. The "D" in "FD&C Red Dye #40" stands for "Drugs" and it means the chemical is FDA approved for use as a colorant in drugs.

The color has no effect on the effectiveness of the medication or vitamin, which is why it's listed under inactive ingredients on the label.

There is a psychological effect of color - "active" colors such as red or yellow tend to make us feel more alert and "passive" colors such as blue or green tend to makes us feel more relaxed. Depending on the expected effect of the medication, the manufacturer may impart a color to help suggest the desired response.

Your best option in avoiding all food dyes is to find a suitable softgel or gelcap, pierce one end of the softgel and squeeze (and stir) the contents into orange or grapefruit juice.

The food dye is in the pill coating or softgel and typically not in the contents of the softgel.

To your good health!

Dr. Edward Paul

Dr. Edward Paul

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