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The Value Of A Macular Degeneration Supplement

By Patricia Anderson


Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a serious problem that causes people to lose the vision in the center of their eye. Although they are not completely blind, they lose the ability to perform many routine tasks. Research into this condition shows that a good macular degeneration supplement may help slow the progression of this debilitating disease.

In AMD, the center of the retina disintegrates. Visual images are no longer sent to the brain. People affected by this disease can't see the face of the person they are talking to, can't read, can't drive. Bringing any detail into focus is hard, even though the vision of the edges of the eye remains. For all practical purposes, however, the afflicted person is blind.

Doctors say that this condition is genetic, but lifestyle can be important, too. Obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a diet high in trans-fat are listed as contributing factors. Smoking is the main culprit; it should be avoided by those who care about the health of their eyes. Anyone genetically disposed to AMD should be aware of their heightened risk if they smoke tobacco.

Research has shown the benefits of supplementing the diet with certain vitamins and minerals. It's interesting that the conclusion is that this kind of therapy helps those in more advanced stages of the disease but not those hoping to prevent it or dealing with the first stages of vision loss. Since all the dietary supplements mentioned in the studies are considered beneficial for total health, it seems that there is reason to start sooner rather than later.

Some of the nutrients are familiar friends. Most of us will recognize Vitamins C, E, and A, which are all recommended. If you would like to see the reports, do an online search. You may see conflicting opinions about the value of supplements. Remember that studies done using natural dietary aids report benefits, while those using synthetic, man-made products may see little or no improvement.

Although you may read that antioxidants are not helpful, there are many on the list of nutrients that showed promise in clinical tests. A, C, and E are antioxidants, for that matter. Antioxidants are said to be good for over-all health, which is another contradiction in the conclusions. Millions of consumers who take supplements seem to feel that their money is well-spent, even if the research is not crystal clear.

Super-fruits contain many less familiar substances which have been the subject of recent studies. Pomegranate juice contains something called punicalagin which may be the most effective of all. Anthocyanins (colored pigments found in berries and other fruits) help protect eyes from the effects of aging. Lutein and zeaxanthin are other nutrients shown to be helpful.

Zinc is a mineral said to be important for eye health, as are copper and selenium. A good supplement will have vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in amounts shown to be helpful in clinical studies. Make sure to choose products from reputable manufacturers and use as directed. This is the best way to ensure you aren't wasting your money and are getting what may well help you keep your vision longer.




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