The Value Of A Good Macular Degeneration Supplement

By Patricia Anderson


With Age-Related Macular Degeneration, (AMD), people lose the ability to see straight ahead. This, of course, makes normal life impossible. Medical experts say that a high-quality macular degeneration supplement can slow the progression of this disease.

In this condition, the center of the retina, which sends visual images to the brain, deteriorates. This means that an afflicted person can't see what they are looking at directly, like the face of someone they are talking to. They can't read, of course, or drive a car, or bring any detail into focus. There is not a complete loss of vision, since the outer areas of the retina are not affected. However, for practical purposes the 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.

Not all the information gives antioxidants a role in helping with AMD, but you will see many on the list of substances thought to be helpful. Antioxidants have been shown to help blunt the negative effects of smoking, help prevent heart disease, and boost energy required to exercise and control weight. There seems to be no reason not to take them if you are hoping to keep your vision.

The latest fads are super-fruit supplements, either fresh juices or pills made from extracts. Many of the colorful pigments in fruits and vegetables are also bio-nutrients believed to be especially valuable in eye health. Punicalagin is found in pomegranate juice. Anthocyanins are a class of bioflavanoid that are considered valuable; blueberries, acai berries, and raspberries are good sources. Lutein and zeaxanthin are other unpronounceable nutritional powerhouses.

Minerals help as well; zinc, selenium, and copper are important. Fish oils and Vitamin D are recommended. It is not hard to find a eye-health supplement that will have significant quantities of all these nutrients and more. Just make sure the manufacturer is reputable and the nutrients are natural and properly processed. You can find products with clinical proof of efficacy, so your money won't be wasted and your eyes put at risk.




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