The Value Of A Good Macular Degeneration Supplement

By Patricia Anderson


Losing the ability to see clearly is a tragic part of aging for many people. Normal life is simply not possible for someone who can't see anything straight ahead, as happens in macular degeneration. Medical authorities offer some advice about preventative measures and slowing the progression of this disease. A good macular degeneration supplement is part of the program.

In AMD, the center of the retina disintegrates. Visual images are no longer sent to the brain. People affected by this disease can't see the face of the person they are talking to, can't read, can't drive. Bringing any detail into focus is hard, even though the vision of the edges of the eye remains. For all practical purposes, however, the afflicted person is blind.

Doctors say that this condition is genetic, but lifestyle can be important, too. Obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a diet high in trans-fat are listed as contributing factors. Smoking is the main culprit; it should be avoided by those who care about the health of their eyes. Anyone genetically disposed to AMD should be aware of their heightened risk if they smoke tobacco.

As far as supplementing a whole-foods diet with supplements go, the research is not definitive. Reports say that supplements can't prevent the disease but that they slow the progression. They report that no benefit is seen in the early stages of AMD, but vitamins and minerals seem to help with more advanced symptoms. Since all the nutrients studied are considered good for total body health, there seems to be little point in waiting to start taking them.

Vitamins A, C, and E have long been known to have positive effects on the body, so it's no surprise that these are on the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) list. Of course, there are many studies and conflicting reports, so it pays to do some research. Results may differ, for instance, if the synthetic form of a nutrient is used rather than a natural form. Benefits almost always are associated with natural vitamins.

Although you may read that antioxidants are not helpful, there are many on the list of nutrients that showed promise in clinical tests. A, C, and E are antioxidants, for that matter. Antioxidants are said to be good for over-all health, which is another contradiction in the conclusions. Millions of consumers who take supplements seem to feel that their money is well-spent, even if the research is not crystal clear.

A great source of antioxidants, especially some of the purple ones known to be good for eyes, can be found in what are called super-fruit juices. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of an unpronounceable antioxidant called punicalagin. Anthocyanins are bioflavanoids found in blueberries and other red and purple fruits. Lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as many others, have been well researched and deemed valuable for eye health.

Zinc is a mineral said to be important for eye health, as are copper and selenium. A good supplement will have vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in amounts shown to be helpful in clinical studies. Make sure to choose products from reputable manufacturers and use as directed. This is the best way to ensure you aren't wasting your money and are getting what may well help you keep your vision longer.




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