I have just been reading some posts on forums that suggest that taking Zinc can actually make AMD worse in some individuals.
I take Areds 2 that contain 25mg of Zinc, but I also take a multivitamin tablet that contains 10mg of Zinc. So that’s 35mg per day when the recommended daily amount is 10mg.
I have been taking these for about 6 months now and 2 weeks ago I went for a eye exam and OCT scan and was told everything is the same and no change.
So my question is should I continue to take the Areds 2? Or in my situation would you change? I can get the Areds 2 zinc free version…would this be a sensible move do you think?
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chrisnewton35
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I've always been of the opinion that supplements and AREDS etc. are unnecessary if you are eating well, (keeping your weight at a good level), i.e. eating a good varied mixed diet. What I am trying to say is that supplements etc. are unnecessary, and also a waste of money.
Does the Macular Society have a dietitian, alternatively does your G.P. have a dietitian or access to one, where you can go into more detail about this?
Age Related Macular Degeneration Services: Recommendations
Date of Publication: May 2024
Date of Review: May 2025
8. Care pathway 8.1 General recommendations for all AMD patients
2. Nutrition and supplements – A healthy diet, rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, and oily fish is recommended. Licensed formulations of multivitamin supplements containing the AREDS2 formulation are not available on prescription within the NHS. Patients may choose to source these over-the-counter supplements independently. The original AREDS formulation consisting of vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, and zinc reduced the 5-year risk of developing late AMD in persons at risk by an estimated 25%. These include those with either bilateral large drusen or large drusen in one eye and late AMD in the fellow eye. The AREDS 2 study corroborated these findings and recommended switching beta-carotene to lutein and zeaxanthin in former smokers.
NB: It is important that you check with your GP or pharmacist before taking any supplements, to ensure that they will not interfere with the absorption of any other medication, or medical conditions.
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Macushield Gold and AREDS 2
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Myopic CNV: Workout, Diet and travel habits
Reliable source for lutein
