AREDS Vitamins Study: Ten Years of Research.
The AREDS Vitamins study, run by the National Eye Institute, is a treasure trove of research data. For the past ten years thousands of people with age macular degeneration have volunteered to take part in randomized placebo-based trials.
Past and current studies look at which vitamins, minerals and supplements improve age macular degeneration conditions. After ten years of study and collating the data the results are in.
Experts agree that eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as fish will help you stay healthy and prevent degenerative disease. However studies also show that sometimes additional vitamin and mineral supplementation can greatly enhance our protection against disease as well as slow down the progression of debilitating conditions such as age macular degeneration.
So far the AREDS or Age Related Eye Disease Study has monitored the progression of age related macular degeneration and age related cataract in 4,757 people aged 55 to 80.
The research involves a series of randomized placebo-controlled studies. In one of the tests thousands of volunteer patients were given vitamin capsules or placebos. Throughout the study the volunteers’ vision was regularly monitored.
Over the years the results have clearly showed that patients who took certain vitamin capsules and/or minerals did better than patients who took placebos.
It is important to discuss with your health professional what vitamins are safe for you personally to take, and at what dosage. For example smokers should discuss with their doctors the implications of taking high doses of beta-carotene.
AREDS is currently active with a number of studies ongoing. For up to date info about the research visit the National Eye Institute http://www.nei.nih.gov/ Some studies are still active and could be recruiting people in your area right now to be voluntary participants in trials.
If you are a Caucasian woman over sixty or fit any of the age macular degeneration profiles such as smoker, diabetic, overweight, sun exposure, genetically predisposed and just plain old getting on in years, you are at high risk of age related eye disease.
Vitamin capsules of specific proven nutrients can help prevent macular disease and improve certain existing conditions. Check with your doctor and choose a high quality vitamin capsule formula based on actual clinical trials.
We recommend Visulyn, a supplement formulated specially for macular degeneration and vision needs. It is of the highest quality, with all natural sources. It is based on thorough research and clinical trials. It does not contain the betacarotene, vitamins C and E or zinc identified in AREDS trials. That’s because you can find all these in food and regular multivit supplements. Also, as betacarotene is contra-indicated for smokers, that’s for individual choice.
Visulyn focuses on specialized ingredients which are essential for eye health but not easily sourced. We think it’s excellent. Find out about Visulyn by clicking here!
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