Vitamins A, C, and E (1994) -Macular Degeneration

Learn more about macular degeneration treatment and information. Also see information on food sources for dietary nutrients.

Researchers investigated the relationship between consumption of carotenoids and vitamins A, C, and E, which have a positive impact on advanced age-related macular degeneration.

The study included 356 U.S. patients (ages 55-80) with advanced macular degeneration and 520 controls. Risk due to other factors, such as smoking was taken into account.

The researchers found that those who ate foods in the top 1/5th of amounts of carotenoids, (ie, lutein and zeaxanthin), had a 43% lower risk of age-related macular degeneration than those who took the least amounts. The vitamins did not have a statistically significant lowered risk, although the patients who got their vitamin C from foods rather than supplements had a slighter lower risk. Dark leafy greens were the most significant food in terms of lowering the risk of advanced macular degeneration.

Researchers: Johanna M. Seddon, et al
Published: Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group, Journal of the American Medical Association, November, 1994