Eye Health Supplements
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
When it comes to health and eyes, the eyes are the organ that is most probably ignored. Eyes are important and delicate organs that require various nutrients and supplements for optimal functioning. You may have heard that “eat carrots and boost your eye health”. There is a huge list of nutrients and supplements which can give your eye a natural boost, these may include vitamins, nutritional supplements, and antioxidants. These nutritional supplements not only improve vision but also prevent age-related macular degeneration.
This article aims to provide information about nutritional eye health supplements which help clear vision and reduce the risk of various eye diseases.
You may be aware of the research suggesting nutrients that slow age-related eye diseases and prevent eye problems. There is a huge number of claims about the beneficial effects of supplements for eye health but there is little research concluding these effects except for age-related eye diseases.
However, these supplements or vitamins are not meant to substitute for a healthy diet but a supportive therapy to improve vision and prevent diseases.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye condition affecting the middle part of a person’s vision usually occurring at 50 or 60 years of age. It may lead to vision loss affecting about 10 million people in the United States. [1]
This eye disease occurs as the person ages and may also affect younger people too. In AMD, light-sensitive cells deteriorate in the macular region of the eye-the retina, part of the eye associated with focusing and keeping records of what we see and transfer to the brain.
Types of Nutritional Supplements for Eye Health
According to Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS), there are a number of antioxidants, vitamins, carotenoids, and other supplements which help improve vision and promote eye health. These supplements may include:
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Omega-3 Fatty acid
Copper
Zinc
Vitamin B1
Recommended Dietary Allowance for Supplements
Many people take multivitamins which help them get good vision and improved body function. It is suggested to take a look at these vitamins before talking to your doctor. You may already have taken multivitamins that help you clear your vision and improve eye health. However, the recommended daily allowance of different supplements includes:
Vitamin E: 15 mg for teens, 15 mg for women in pregnancy, and 19mg for women with breastfeeding.
Vitamin C: 90 mg for men, 70 mg for women, 85 mg during pregnancy, and 120 mg while breastfeeding.
Zinc: men 11 mg, women 8 mg, 11 mg in pregnant women, and 12 mg while lactating.
Selenium: 55 mcg for teens, 60 mcg for pregnant women, and 70 mcg for breastfeeding.
Folic Acid: 400 mcg for adults, 600 mcg in pregnancy, and 500 mcg while breastfeeding.
Lutein: None
Zeaxanthin: None
Beta carotene: None
Calcium: 1000 mg for adults, for people move 51 and 71 years of age should take 1200 mg.
Thiamin: 1.2 mg for men, 1.1 mg for women, and 1.4 mg in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Omega 3 Fatty Acid: 1000 mg daily according to the recommendation of the American Heart Association.
Studies showed that individuals who took one of these supplements daily for five years had beneficial effects on eye health. Results revealed that there was a 25% reduction in vision loss. [2]
However, in people with moderate Age-Related Degeneration, consumption of eye supplements resulted in a reduction in the aging process. People with advanced stages of disease did not get benefits from these supplements.
Studies also concluded that these supplements cannot reverse aging diseases and restore vision.
Consumption of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin is known to decrease the risk of eye diseases and cataract surgery by 32%. [3]
Suggested Supplements for Eye Health
Vitamin C
Studies revealed that consuming vitamin C help reduce the risk of eye diseases like age-related disease and cataract. [4]
Another study revealed that vitamin C when used in combination with vitamin E can improve vision, reduce eye diseases and promote eye health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is highly beneficial for improving eye health. It may protect the eyes from oxidative damage, and reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related eye diseases (ARED). Getting the daily allowance of vitamin E 22.5IU prevents cell damage as well as dry eye.
Here you can check our Vorst’s Vitamin E vegan capsules without gelatin.
Lutein
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid compounds that are found in plants and the retina of the eye. Supplementing with these carotenoids increases their concentration in the eye. They can filter ultraviolet and high-energy blue light and protect the eye tissues from damage.
Owing to its antioxidant properties, lutein reduces oxidative stress, relieves inflammation, and improves the sharpness of vision and contrast sensitivity. [5]
Here you can check our Vorst's eye supplement containing Lutein 18 mg capsules.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral with powerful antioxidant properties and prevents cell damage. Evidence showed that taking zinc supplements with other vitamins slows the progression of age-related macular degeneration. [6]
Zinc may reduce the absorption of copper, so it is suggested to take copper with zinc supplements.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 has an important role in optimal eye health and is also known as “anti-stress” vitamin B which helps reduce inflammation. Studies showed that vitamin B1 is also effective against uveitis and other inflammatory diseases of the eye. [7]
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
The retinal part of the eye contains omega 3 fatty acids which help in the development of retinal cells. These healthy fats may reduce inflammation, may heal cornea and retina cells, and restore eye health after damage to light exposure.
Research showed that individuals using omega-3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have a reduced risk of developing age-related macular diseases. [8]
Beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
Beta-carotene and vitamins support eye health, improve vision and prevent eye diseases. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to serious eye conditions like a corneal ulcer, vision loss, and clouding of the eye. Our body converts beta carotenes to
vitamin A and prevents macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
Here you can check Vorst’s best Beta carotene vitamin A capsule.
How to Take the eye Supplements
Eye vitamins are recommended to take a dose of 1-2 capsules with water 30 minutes before a meal.
Take care of quality, expiration date, and ingredients before purchasing eye supplements.
Always take healthy and nutrient-dense food rich in vitamin A, C, and E to improve vision and eye health.
Bottom Line
Like other body organs, the eyes are delicate organs requiring nutrition for optimal functioning, good vision, and boosted health. Eye care supplements are easily available in the market which can not only improve your vision but also prevent a broad spectrum of diseases.
Here you can check Vorst’s supplements for eyes, Eye Care Complex, and Lutein 18mg along with Beta Carotene 15mg.
References
https://www.macular.org/about-macular-degeneration/what-is-macular-
degeneration
https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news
https://www.nei.nih.gov/research/clinical-trials/age-related-eye-disease-studies-
aredsareds2
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/diet-and-nutrition?sso=y
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164534/
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/zinc-vision
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3084581/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3206354/