title: Possible contraindications and adverse reactions associated with the use of ocular nutritional supplements.
abstract: The role of oxidation in the development of age-related eye disease has prompted interest in the use of nutritional supplementation for prevention of onset and progression. Our aim is to highlight possible contraindications and adverse reactions of isolated or high dose ocular nutritional supplements. Web of Science and PubMed database searches were carried out, followed by a manual search of the bibliographies of retrieved articles. Vitamin A should be avoided in women who may become pregnant, in those with liver disease, and in people who drink heavily. Relationships have been found between vitamin A and reduced bone mineral density, and beta-carotene and increased risk of lung cancer in smoking males. Vitamin E and Ginkgo biloba have anticoagulant and anti-platelet effects respectively, and high doses are contraindicated in those being treated for vascular disorders. Those patients with contraindications or who are considered at risk of adverse reactions should be advised to seek specialist dietary advice via their medical practitioner.
authors.affiliation: Neurosciences Research Institute, Aston University, Birmingham, UK. bartlehe@aston.ac.uk
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bartlett
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Eperjesi
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000075202:Contraindications; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000009:adverse effects; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D014801:Vitamin A; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D014810:Vitamin E; D002338:Carotenoids; D001205:Ascorbic Acid