Age-related macular degeneration and antioxidant vitamins: recent findings.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present review is to evaluate the most recent evidence for a role of antioxidant nutrients in the prevention or delay in progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of visual impairment and blindness in the aging population.


RESULTS
Recent human studies (>2008) report a decreased AMD risk with increased intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin, B vitamins, zinc and docosahexaenoic acid but an increased risk with increased intakes of beta-carotene and vitamin E. These latter findings are inconsistent with previous reports (<2008).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings on the association of certain antioxidants and docosahexaenoic acid support a role for nutrition in a decreased risk of AMD. The inconsistent findings of an increased risk with increased intake of beta-carotene and vitamin E warrants continued investigation into these relationships.
Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. elizabeth.johnson@tufts.edu
Elizabeth J
EJ
Johnson
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000975:Antioxidants; D018977:Micronutrients; D014810:Vitamin E; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D002338:Carotenoids