Goji berries have long been a part of Chinese medicine and are used to treat a variety of health conditions, including vision problems. Both wet and dry macular degeneration can lead to vision loss without proper diagnosis and treatment. While it is impossible to reverse permanent vision loss, it may be possible to slow the progression of macular degeneration via a formulation of vitamin antioxidants and minerals of which Goji berries are rich.
AREDS Formulation
The National Eye Institute's Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, found that a high-dose mixture of antioxidants and zinc might reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration by slowing the disease's progression during its intermediate stages. The AREDS formulation includes 500 mg of vitamin C; 400 international units, or IUs, of vitamin E; 15 mg beta-carotene; 80 mg zinc; and 2 mg copper.
Goji Nutritional Content
According to the Genesis Today Nutritionist website and naturopathist Dr. Lindsay Duncan, pure goji juice is the richest source of beta-carotene available and contains high amounts of zinc. The BuddySlim website reports a 5-tbsp. serving of dried goji berries contain 500 times more vitamin C per oz. than oranges, as well as adequate levels of vitamin B complex.
Stage Dependant Treatment
The National Eye Institute recommends consulting with your doctor before taking the AREDS formulation but notes that it is primarily for those high-risk candidates. You fall into the high-risk category if you have intermediate macular degeneration in one or both eyes, or you have advanced macular degeneration in one eye only. There is no evidence showing AREDS benefits those in the early stages of macular degeneration.
A Colorful Diet
MayoClinic.com advises patients to eat a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, which represent a variety of important vitamins and minerals, to support eye health. With their bright red color, goji berries certainly fit into this category.
Diet versus Supplements
While goji berries will not hinder efforts to treat macular degeneration, if taken alone they do not contain sufficient levels of the antioxidants and zinc recommended in the AREDS formulation. In fact, the National Eye Institute states it is difficult to get the high amounts of vitamins and minerals recommended with AREDS by diet alone, and suggests adding supplements to complement your diet.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Macular Degeneration: Treatments and Drugs
- BuddySlim: Dried Goji Berries
- MayoClinic: Macular Degeneration: Lifestyle and home remedies
- MedlinePlus: Macular Degeneration
- National Eye Institute: Facts about Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Genesis Today: GOJI - A Small Fruit WITH BIG BENEFITS but buyers beware!
