{"id":509,"date":"2024-02-13T14:42:12","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T14:42:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/?p=509"},"modified":"2024-04-23T15:25:25","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T15:25:25","slug":"do-areds2-supplements-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pureoptical.com\/blog\/do-areds2-supplements-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Do AREDS2 Supplements Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The quest for maintaining eye health, especially in the face of aging and diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has led to a significant focus on nutritional supplements. Among these, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) formula has garnered attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

This study, a follow-up to the original AREDS research, aims to evaluate the efficacy of specific vitamins and minerals in slowing the progression of AMD and other eye conditions. This article delves into the AREDS2 study<\/a>, its findings, and the broader implications for individuals seeking to preserve their vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding age-related macular degeneration<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before we dissect the effectiveness of AREDS2, it’s crucial to understand <\/span>what age-related macular degeneration is<\/span><\/a>. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older. It affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision required for activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. <\/span>AMD progresses in stages<\/span><\/a>, from early, with little to no vision loss, to late, which can result in significant vision impairment.<\/span><\/p>\n

The origins of the AREDS2 study<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) was conceived as a direct response to the findings and limitations of its predecessor, the original Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The initial AREDS, conducted by the <\/span>National Eye Institute<\/span><\/a>, discovered that a specific combination of vitamins and minerals could significantly reduce the risk of progression in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss. This groundbreaking research led to a widespread recommendation for people at high risk of advanced AMD to take the AREDS formula.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, despite the success of the AREDS formula in reducing the progression of AMD, there were concerns and questions that necessitated further investigation. Specifically, the original formula included beta-carotene, which was linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Additionally, there was growing evidence to suggest that other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin<\/a>, could have beneficial effects on eye health. These developments prompted the National Eye Institute to launch AREDS2 in 2006.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Key findings of AREDS2<\/span><\/h2>\n

The AREDS2 study culminated in several critical findings that have since influenced the <\/span>management of AMD<\/span><\/a>. One of the most significant outcomes was the conclusion that replacing beta-carotene with a combination of lutein<\/a> and zeaxanthin reduced the risk of AMD progression without the associated risk of lung cancer in former smokers. This finding addressed a major concern with the original AREDS formula and made the AREDS2 formula safer for a broader population.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another key finding was that the addition of omega-3 fatty acids (<\/span>DHA and EPA<\/span><\/a>) did not decrease the risk of AMD progression. This was somewhat unexpected, given the positive associations between omega-3 fatty acids and eye health in observational studies. However, the rigorous clinical trial framework of AREDS2 provided a more definitive assessment of their effectiveness specifically for AMD.<\/span><\/p>\n

The study also reaffirmed the importance of zinc and copper in the formula, although it explored different dosages. The final recommended formulation of the AREDS2 supplement<\/a> for individuals at high risk of developing advanced AMD is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n