Trending Thursday: PreserVision AREDS 2 Chewables

It's Trending Thursday here at Mountainside Medical, and we wanted to bring your attention to something you might overlook: your eyesight. Specifically, we're focusing on how your eyesight changes as you age, and what you can do to maintain it. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss among people 50 or older. Fortunately, there are products available to help reduce your risk of developing it, such as PreserVision's AREDS 2 Chewables.

What is AMD?

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive, degenerative condition in which damage occurs over time to the macula. This is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. AMD doesn't cause blindness, but can interfere with your straight-ahead vision, often causing a blurred area or sometimes blank spots in your central vision. Age is the major reason for this, but there are other risk factors:

• Genetics and Family History: Nearly 20 genes that affect the risk of developing AMD have been found. There isn't yet a reliable testing method to determine your genetic risk, but if AMD's in your family, you may want to take precautions.
• Race: AMD is most common among Caucasians.
• Smoking: This can double the risk of AMD.

Even if you've witnessed no AMD in your family, it can still develop. Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk, including not smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining proper blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You can further maintain your eye health by getting enough of the nutrients recommended in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2).

What is AREDS 2?

The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies are major clinical trials conducted by the National Eye Institute to determine the risk factors of AMD and evaluate the effects of various nutrients on its development. Based on the results of these tests, the NIH has developed formulations of nutrients aimed at countering macular degeneration.

The current formulation from the most recent study, AREDS 2, is:

• 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
• 400 international units of vitamin E
• 80 mg zinc as zinc oxide
• 2 mg copper as cupric oxide
• 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin

The recommended daily values of these nutrients and minerals will not totally prevent AMD, but this formulation has shown promising results in delaying the progression of advanced AMD, as well as maintaining quality of vision in those with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in only one day.

PreserVision AREDS 2 Chewables

PreserVision AREDS 2 Chewables are eye vitamins and mineral supplements based on the formulations determined by the NIH's study. Each chewable vitamin contains:

• 250 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
• 200 international units of vitamin E
• 40 mg zinc as zinc oxide
• 1 mg copper
• 5 mg lutein and 1 mg zeaxanthin

Just two AREDS 2 vitamins a day will give you the amount of antioxidants and zinc recommended in the study! Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, much like beta-carotene, which is also recommended for eye health due to helping the body produce Vitamin A. But unlike beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in the retina and lens of the eye, and may help absorb damaging ultraviolet rays.

Although some of these minerals are found in multivitamins, the AREDS 2 Chewables contain them in much higher doses. Most participants in the AREDS 2 trials took multivitamins in addition to this formulation; you don't have to substitute one for the other. With its mixed berry flavor, the AREDS 2 Chewable vitamin is ideal for anyone at high risk of developing advanced AMD.

Please consult with your doctor or other qualified health care professional before taking any medication, supplement, or beginning any health regimen.