Nutritional and Lifestyle Interventions for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review (vol 2017, 6169138, 2017)

• Type: Other Publications
• Date: 2017

Authors

Ângela Carneiro (Author) FMUP; Andrade, JP (Author) FMUP

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-38Q

DOI: 10.1155/2017/2435963

Abstract (EN): Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. In this narrative review, we will summarize the nutritional interventions evaluated in numerous observational studies and a few randomized clinical trials. The AREDS and AREDS2 studies demonstrated that supplements including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc may reduce the progression to advanced AMD in some patients by 25% over five years. This is one of the few nutritional supplements known to have a beneficial effect in any eye disease. Lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation may have beneficial effects in some individuals, whereas omega-3 fatty acids supplementation needs to be further investigated and supported by more evidence. Genetic factors may explain the different patterns of response and explain differences found among individuals. More importantly, a combination of lifestyle behaviors, such as the avoidance of smoking, physical activity, and the adoption of a healthy dietary pattern like the Mediterranean diet, was associated with a lower prevalence of AMD. The adoption of these lifestyles may reduce the prevalence of early-stage AMD and decrease the number of individuals who develop advanced AMD, consequently lowering the onerous and climbing costs associated with treatment of this disease.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific