by Dan Roberts
August 1, 2012
(Reviewed by Jeffrey Anshel, O.D., F.A.A.O. (CEO, Ocular Nutrition Society)
Risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be genetic, environmental, behavioral, or nutritional. This is a list of nutritional factors that have been linked to development of retinal dystrophies.
High dosages of aspirin
High caloric intake
High intake of alcohol
High intake of nicotine
Hyperglycemia
High levels of saturated fats
High levels of LDL cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides
Low levels of estrogen
Statin intake
Vitamin deficiencies, specifically:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B-1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxal or Pyrodoxine)
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin C
Vitamin D (actually a pro-hormone)
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Vitamin P
Folate
Biotin
Mineral deficiencies, specifically:
Boron
Chromium
Copper
Magnesium
Zinc
Low levels of antioxidant nutrients, specifically:
Alpha lipoic acid
Alpha linolenic acid
Anthocyanins
Ascorbic acid (one form of vitamin C)
Beta-carotene
BHT
Bioflavinoids
Carotene and Carotenoids
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Cysteine
Flavinoids
Glutathione peroxidase
L-Glutathione
Lutein
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine)
Meso-zeaxanthin
Omega-3 fatty acid
Proanthocyanin
Selenium
Silica hydride
Taurine
Zeaxanthin
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All individuals affected by macular degeneration should strive to lead healthy lifestyles and be counseled in good nutrition practices. No significant change in diet or supplementation should begin without professional consultation.
For details about the items in this list, and for information about lowering the nutritional risks, see these presentations in the MD Support Audio/Visual Library:
“Nutrition: Separating Fact From Fiction” (Ellen Troyer, M.T., M.A.)
“Smart Medicine For Your Eyes” (Jeffrey Anshel, O.D., F.A.A.O.)
“What You See is What You Eat” (Lylas G. Mogk, M.D.)
In addition, several fully-referenced articles on various aspects of nutrition and eye health may be found on this site.
