The macula sits in one area of the retina, the tissue that lines the back of the eye. The macula provides the central vision you use for everyday activities such as reading and watching television. In some people, the macula may start to break down, a condition known as macular degeneration. This causes permanent loss of your central vision. Certain nutrients, including vitamin A, may help reduce the risk for this vision-threatening condition.
ARED Study
The National Eye Institute released information in 2001 regarding a study that evaluated the benefits of certain nutrients on eye diseases such as macular degeneration. This study, called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, determined that when taken with other valuable nutrients, vitamin A may reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 25 percent.
Dosage
In combination with other nutrients, the amount of vitamin A necessary to help prevent macular degeneration is 25,000 International Units each day, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Vitamin supplements may list vitamin A as "beta-carotene." Listed this way, the label should read 15mg beta-carotene to meet the AREDS recommendation.
Vitamin A Dietary Sources
Many foods contain vitamin A. Sweet potatoes and carrots contain significant amounts of vitamin A. Other vegetables include kale, spinach, bell peppers and broccoli. Mango, papaya, cantaloupe and apricots also contain beneficial amounts. In addition to fruits and vegetables, eggs and whole milk also provide vitamin A. Despite the number of foods that contain vitamin A, you may need to take an AREDS formulation supplement in order to reach the recommended dosage of vitamin A for macular degeneration protection.
Additional Nutrients
The ARED Study determined that other vitamins and minerals, when taken in specific doses, may offer important protection against macular degeneration. Vitamin C requires 500mg each day, vitamin E 400IU per day, zinc 80mg daily and copper 2mg per day, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
Certain health conditions and medications may interact with high doses of these nutrients. Your health care provider can help you determine the dose of vitamin A and other nutrients appropriate for your eye health while keeping your medications and overall health in mind.
