Macular Degeneration: Super Food and Supplement Studies

Eating a diet high in antioxidants is one way some believe you may be able to help prevent developing macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. Add in a list of macular degeneration supplements such as lutein, beta-carotene, zinc and even shark’s cartilage and there is some growing evidence that your chances are even better.

Recently, several natural vision formulas have been developed and studied showing some promising results. At the same time, more foods are being deemed superfoods for beneficial, accumulative compounds linked to vision support.

Adding a daily vision supplement and superfoods to your routine may be worth results that could support the health of your present and future sight.

Vision Supplement Technology 

Pinpointing the delivery system and target landing of nutritional compounds, namely those derived from botanical sources, has become more precise. Old data shows some good links these compounds present when it comes to healthy vision which prompted adding them to synthetic, conventional eye care medicines.

Now, with the ability to transport these compounds directly to the intestines, surpassing significant potency loss from stomach enzymes, natural remedies may surpass or contend with prescription drugs for AMD (age-related macular degeneration). Of course, botanicals cannot act as the last minute acute applications some medical remedies can offer. However, they may help you avoid getting to such a point.

Recent Claim

The company Zeon Healthcare has announced the near future release (2017) of its vision supplement called MacuSave. This is a unique formula that combines the well tested carotenoids (fat soluble pigments) meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin with marigold flower, (Tagetes erecta).

These carotenoids, when combined, hold antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that work much more efficiently than taking a single dose of either one. In fact, according to John Nolan, professor of the Macular Pigment Research Group at the Waterford Institute of Technology, UK,

“We’ve just finished an AMD trial, which show these pigments greatly protect vision. I’m not saying we can stop the disease, but we have been able to rebuild macular pigment in these patients and improve their vision. The disease did not get worse after three years when patients took the supplements. This is remarkable because previous studies found with lutein-only supplements, 50% of people with early-stage AMD go on to develop advanced AMD and experience vision loss.”

After 15 years of studying how to rebuild macular pigments, Dr. Nolan reports that supplements using these carotenoids cannot only assist AMD patients but may enhance healthy vision as well. This is of particular interest when it comes to occupations such as military personnel, pilots and athletes.

As reported by Optometry Today,

“MacuSave is a once-a-day eye health supplement that has been formulated to enrich the macular pigment with all three key macular carotenoids, including meso-zeaxanthin, and to protect the macula against the potential risks associated with visible blue light and oxidative stress.”

Superfood Fixes

It seems as if every couple of months your local news station runs a story on how certain plant based foods hold various compounds that may help particular health concerns. Studies now show how macular degeneration is no exception when it comes to the beneficial, accumulated effects of various fruits, vegetables, legumes. In some cases, eating a high botanical diet may even ease symptoms for those already afflicted with AMD.

These are three of many easily attainable superfoods for possible macular degeneration prevention or management.

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, mulberries, cherries and blackberries are among the top superfoods linked to lowering systemic inflammation and high blood pressure. Macular degeneration has shown to be one of the side effects of hypertension (high blood pressure). Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association comments in a report by AARP,

“Blueberries and blackberries also contain anthocyanins, which have the dark purple pigments that fight inflammation and improve blood flow. They also help prevent blockages to the arteries that feed oxygen to the retina.”

Avocados

Considered a significant food for eye health, avocado holds a variety of vision supporting nutrition including lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.

Published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,

“Research from the Women’s Health Initiative Observation Study found that MUFA [monounsaturated fatty acids] rich diets were protective of age-related eye dysfunction. Avocados may contribute to eye health since they contain a combination of MUFA and lutein/zeaxanthin and help improve carotenoid absorption from other fruits and vegetables. Avocados contain 185 [micrograms] of lutein/zeaxanthin per one-half fruit, which is expected to be more highly bioavailable than most other fruit and vegetable sources.”

Broccoli

There is a compound found in broccoli called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which has been linked to clearing cells of environmental toxins. I3C is capable of activating a protein involved in chemical detoxification called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) protein. AhR declines with age but by using I3C found in broccoli, AhR may be able to continue regardless of age.

On July 6th, 2016 it was reported by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging that,

“Buck researchers boosted the potency of a broccoli-related compound by ten times and identified it as a possible treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss affecting more than 10 million older Americans.”

Re-evaluating your current supplement and dietary influences may give you a leg up on either preventing or managing macular degeneration. Look for formulas and foods that contain the aforementioned compounds and your future vision could remain clear and unhindered.