AREDS or Persevita?

[Joankelley]

Just wondering if anyone knows if there have been any tests proving the effectiveness of either vitamin, Areds or Persevita. Is one better than the other?

I have read that too much zinc is not good.

[Becky_MacularSociety Partner]

Good Afternoon Joankelley,

There are many studies of nutritional supplements but some are too small and of too short duration, or are of combinations of compounds, making it difficult to assess the relative contributions of each. Supplements used include lutein and zeaxanthin, in combination or individually, or combined with a variety of other minerals and/or vitamins, the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, olive oil, folate acid, various vitamins, ginkgo biloba, turmeric, saffron and zinc.

The strongest evidence is for the AREDS 2 supplement, which contains:

500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, 25 mg zinc, 2 mg copper.

They reduced the amount of zinc in this formula compared to their original formula, which contained 80mg.

There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend any other nutritional supplements, although supplements such as Persavita that contain saffron extracts show promise and might justify further research. The combination of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 may also be worth further research, perhaps in people with early AMD.

While we believe that taking supplements containing lutein may be beneficial to eye health, We do not endorse any brand. Shops such as boots and other health food places sell supplements which follow AREDs 2 formula, such as Macushield Gold.

You can also look at butterflies-eyecare.co.uk/ and filter results specifically for AREDs 2 supplements.

Talk to your GP before taking supplements or making major changes to your diet, especially if you take other medications.

All the best,

Becky

Macular Sociaety

Advice and Information

[e-mail]

0300 3030 111

[Joankelley in reply to Becky_MacularSociety]

As always, I truly appreciate your prompt reply, Becky, and sincerely appreciate your input about the supplements. This forum has been a godsend for me!

[Richard_44]

Good morning Joankelley

I was diagnosed with Dry AMD over 6 years ago, and have been taking AREDS 2 (Viteyes) every day since, together with my daily dose of blueberries.

I have been having scans every year, and my optician has been very surprised as to how little change there has been in this time. The study that was done into AREDS 2 indicated that deterioration was far slower approx 25% of those taking it.I think I must be one of the 25%!

We eat healthy food, (my wife enjoys cooking), I don't smoke, and I ride 25 miles on my bike every week.

I am still driving at almost 76 years old and, 6 years ago, I didn't think I would be doing as well as I am now!

I wish you well

Richard44