AREDS2

[lmoore]

I have been treated for wet macular degeneration in my right eye for approx 4years initially with Lucentis injections every month & for the last 12months Eylea injections every 12 weeks. I realise there is no cure for this but am seeking advise for taking an ARED2 formula to help prevent the same damage to my left eye.

I would appreciate any comments & recommendations please.

Regards,

Linda

[StokeySue]

I'm not sure how you can link to a previous discussion on this forum

But this is what I said before, the FAQs on the link are very helpful in my opinion

I take MacuSave, a similar supplement but not quite the same as the AREDS supplement (10-10--2 meso-zeaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin) but without the other vitamins and minerals

The idea of the supplement is that these carotenoids (orange pigments extracted from marigolds, Really!) and the other components may help keep your retina healthy and so slow the development or progression of macular disease. Unfortunately "may prevent or slow" means it is pretty much impossible to tell if they are helping any individual

Here's really good clear information about AREDS from the US National Eye Institute

nei.nih.gov/areds2/PatientFAQ

[ironbrain]

From what I read, neither AREDS nor AREDS2 contains meso-zeaxanthin:

"Meso-zeaxanthin does not go by any other name. Also, it is not part of the AREDS 2 formula." ( meso-zeaxanthin.org/en/inde... )

My post in response to a related post (in Romanian) here:

healthunlocked.com/maculars...

(The most important information is possibly at the end of my post there.)

I've just read that the Macular Society information states that the body can make meso-zeaxanthin from lutein. I wonder how efficient it is at doing so.

[StokeySue]

I think 10-10-2 is the CREST formula?

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Imoore,

Please contact us on the Macular Society helpline to discuss this further.

The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[Georgie_M]

Hi Linda

I take the AREDS2 formula - as I understand it, AREDS2 is the best research available in slowing down AMD. There are several out there, I personally take Vision Defender supplement. Other eye supplements that are not AREDS2 may be ok, but not the best - and I want to take the best! Hope that helps.

Kind regards

[lmoore]

AREDS2 investigators say that a new AREDS formula supplement should contain:

Vitamin C 500mg

Vitamin E 400 IU

Copper 2mg

Lutein 10mg

Zeaxanthin 2mg

Zinc 25mg

I am 65yrs old have wet macular degeneration in my right eye & am currently having Eylea injections every 12 weeks

I spoke to my doctor regarding taking a supplement & he suggested taking the above AREDS2 formula as found in the Macular Society Nutrition & Eye Health leaflet

I have found that Boots Pharmaceuticals Opti-Health is formulated for the maintenance of normal vision & eye health

Below is a list of the contents of the Boots formula but I do not fully understand the Vitamin E & Copper content compared to AREDS2

Regarding the Vitamin E Is 400IU the same as 268mg? If I take an extra 10mg of a copper supplement do you think that the Boots Opti-Health formula is comparable to the AREDS2 formula?

Typical Values Per Daily Dose %NRV*

Vitamin A 800 µg RE 100

Vitamin E 268 mg - a-TE 2233

Vitamin C 500 mg 625

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 1.4mg 100

Zinc 15mg 150

Copper 2000 µg 200

Manganese 2mg 100

Selenium 55 µg 100

Lutein 10mg -

Zeaxanthin 2mg -

Regards

Linda Moore