Evaluation of dietary antioxidant levels and supplementation with ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite.
BACKGROUND
Oxidative damage caused by free radicals has been implicated in the development of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Recent studies suggest that antioxidant vitamins and minerals can be useful for the management and/or prevention of this condition.


METHODS
To assess the normal dietary intake of the antioxidants, 28 healthy subjects 55 years of age and over completed a diet survey. Then two over-the-counter (OTC) nutritional supplements that make claims about the antioxidant nutrients they contain (ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite) were evaluated with respect to their ability to raise blood levels of two important antioxidant nutrients: zinc and beta-carotene.


RESULTS
Based on the diet survey, 26 of the 28 subjects were found to have deficient intakes; zinc and selenium were the most commonly deficient nutrients. Following a 2-week administration period, both ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite significantly raised mean serum zinc levels 24.7 percent and 18 percent respectively; ICAPS-Plus significantly raised mean beta-carotene levels by 21.4 percent, but Ocuvite did not change the mean level significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the probable relationship between antioxidant levels and diseases such as ARMD, these results suggest that OTC supplements might be useful for selected patients.
Kaminski
M S
MS
Pacific University, College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR 97116.
Yolton
D P
DP
Jordan
W T
WT
Yolton
R L
RL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood*; D004032:Diet; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood*; D019207:beta Carotene
D000975:Antioxidants; D005609:Free Radicals; D008903:Minerals; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D014815:Vitamins; D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids; D015032:Zinc