The macula is an area on the back of the eye that provides the central vision you use for driving and face recognition. Macular degeneration occurs when the cells that make up the macula deteriorate. In advanced cases, you may experience sudden, significant loss of vision. Treatment doesn't typically restore vision lost to this condition, which makes prevention important. In certain doses, vitamins such as vitamin A may help prevent damage to the macula.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role in the health of the eye and may help prevent advanced macular degeneration. In a 2001 study by the National Eye Institute, researchers determined that when people consume certain nutrients, including vitamin A, in high doses, they reduce their risk for advanced macular degeneration by 25 percent. The study, called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, determined that you should take 25,000IU of vitamin A each day for the best protection.
Dietary Sources
Many foods provide a source of vitamin A. Cooked beef liver, in a 3 oz. portion, contains more than 27,000IU vitamin A. One half cup of cooked carrots contains more than 13,000IU vitamin A; 1/2 cup cooked spinach contains more than 11,000IU. Other foods high in vitamin A content include kale, cantaloupe, apricots, mangos and papayas.
Additional Nutrients
During the AREDS study, other nutrients in addition to vitamin A were found to promote macular health and prevent macular degeneration. These nutrients include 80mg zinc, 2mg copper, 500mg vitamin C and 400IU vitamin E.
Supplements
In response to the AREDS findings, manufacturers began producing daily supplements that contain the studied dosage of vitamin A and the accompanying nutrients. Supplements with this formulation often have a statement on the label noting that the supplement contains the AREDS formulation.
Considerations
Discuss vitamin A use with your doctor before you add supplements to your daily routine. High doses of certain vitamins may interact or interfere with medications or health conditions, and your doctor can help you determine whether you take a medication that may pose a problem with high doses of vitamin A. She can also help you determine whether the recommended AREDS dose of vitamin A is appropriate for you.
