The Value Of A 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.

Lifestyle does affect eye health, although this condition is definitely genetic. Smoking is a definite negative. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a diet high in trans fats are other contributing factors. A program of whole, fresh foods, exercise, and stress reduction is recommended to prevent or delay the onset of this disorder. It mostly affects people over the age of fifty.

Research into this condition shows that supplements may help. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can slow the progression of both kinds of AMD. Although the studies are interpreted to show that nutrients can't prevent the disease, many people may choose to start taking supplements early. All of the nutrients said to help AMD are good for total bodily wellness, anyway.

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.

The latest fads are super-fruit supplements, either fresh juices or pills made from extracts. Many of the colorful pigments in fruits and vegetables are also bio-nutrients believed to be especially valuable in eye health. Punicalagin is found in pomegranate juice. Anthocyanins are a class of bioflavanoid that are considered valuable; blueberries, acai berries, and raspberries are good sources. Lutein and zeaxanthin are other unpronounceable nutritional powerhouses.

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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