Source: North West Medicines Information Centre
Area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual loss in the Western world; older age, genetic markers and cigarette smoking are risk factors.
Oxidative damage to the retina has also been suggested as a contributing factor leading to the hypothesis that increasing antioxidant (and zinc) intake, through diet or use of nutritional supplements, may protect against the development and/or progression of AMD. This has been tested in a number of observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
To prevent the development of AMD in people who do not have AMD or who have early disease: . there is no evidence from RCTs to support the use of nutritional supplements. . there is little evidence from epidemiological studies of the benefit of a high dietary intake of individual antioxidants and zinc. However, it seems reasonable to advise people to follow Department of Health dietary guidelines and increase consumption of fruit and ...
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