Macular Degeneration Research estimates that around 11 million people in the United States have some degree of macular degeneration. This eye disease affects the macula, the center of the tissue lining the back of your eye. Damage to this tissue causes vision changes, and many people experience blindness as a result of the disease process. If you have risks for macular degeneration, talk to your doctor about the prevention benefits of forms of vitamin E such as tocotrienols.
Tocotrienols
Vitamin E consists of a variety of molecular structures, and tocotrienols make up one of these components. Researchers from the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute evaluated tocotrienols in a 2007 study. The study indicates that tocotrienols may help reduce cholesterol and may reduce the risk of cancer activity in cells. Food products such as palm oil contain a significant amount of tocotrienols. The 2007 study did not evaluate the molecular structure in relation to macular degeneration, but vitamin E as a whole may offer help in preventing the disease.
Prevention
In addition to vitamin E, the National Eye Institute recommends that people who have a high risk for macular degeneration use a daily vitamin formulation studied in the 2001 Age-Related Eye Disease Study. This study, known as AREDS, determined that vitamin A, in a dose of 25,000 international units or IUs, a 500 mg dose of vitamin C and 400 IUs of vitamin E, as well as an 80 mg dose of zinc could reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration damage by around 25 percent. This study also recommends a 2 mg dose of copper to prevent you from having a deficiency related to high zinc intakes.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for macular degeneration include age and a family history of the disease. Women also have a greater risk for macular degeneration than men. If you quit smoking and lose any extra pounds, these changes may help you reduce your odds of having macular degeneration. Try to exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in a variety of nutrients to further reduce your risk.
Consideration
You should not use tocotrienols or other vitamin supplementation without first consulting your doctor. Taking high doses of such nutrients could result in interactions with medications or health conditions, and your doctor can help you evaluate your general health to determine the vitamins and doses appropriate for you.
References
- National Eye Institute; Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration; September 2009
- "Molecular Aspects of Medicine"; Tocotrienols in Health and Disease: The Other Half of the Natural Vitamin E Family; October 2007
- Macular Degeneration Research; About Macular Degeneration; January 2011
- National Eye Institute; The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration; October 2003
