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Macular Degeneration Nutrition

Macular degeneration nutrition has been the subject of much research. Nutrition for eyes was a topic in a well-known vision and macular degeneration study conducted by The National Eye Institute. It's called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (a.k.a. AREDS). This was followed by a second study called AREDS2.

The vision and macular degeneration study involved thousands of patients coping with vision loss. These studies revealed that nutrition for eyes and certain minerals, vitamins and supplements can significantly lower the onset of loss of vision, one of the major elderly issues. The information on macular degeneration showed it was reduced by about 25%.

So taking a look at these vitamins and supplements, along with proper nutrition foods, is of great value to anyone seeking to prevent eye disease. Macular degeneration nutrition can be obtained from food sources listed below or by supplements. Good nutrition is one of the excellent prevention treatments for blindness. It may not be a “cure,” but it can help prevent onset and progression. Always first consult with your doctor to confirm medical and nutritional needs. These are some general guidelines from both the AREDS studies and from the American Optometric Association.

Carotenoids. Carotenoids protect the retina by acting as antioxidants. They may lower the risk of advanced or wet macular degeneration. The two most important are lutein and zeaxanthin Carotenoids can be found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, collards. Also corn and eggs. Other foods rich in carotenoids and lutein and zeaxanthin are kiwi, brussel sprouts, broccoli, green beans, apples, honeydew melon, grapes, oranges, mango, peppers, celery, pumpkin, squash, peas, and cucumbers. Take 10 mg. of lutein per day, and 2 mg. of zeaxanthin.

DHA-EPA. Omega-3, essential fatty acids. Foods include flax seed, tuna, wild salmon, sardines, walnuts. Also fish oil supplements. Take 500 mg. per day.

Vitamin C. Citrus fruits, green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, green peppers, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, orange juice, strawberries, cantaloupe. Take 500 mg. per day.

Vitamins E. Nuts, peanut butter, eggs, fruit, vegetable oils, nut oils, fortified cereals, whole grains, wheat germ, sweet potatoes. Take 400 iu. Per day.

Copper. Beef liver, mixed nuts, lentils, beans, sunflower seeds. Take 2 mg. per day.

Zinc. Nuts, milk, red meat, poultry, oysters, fortified cereals, baked beans. Take 40 to 60 mg. per day. (This is a high dose recommended for macular degeneration. A high dose can upset your stomach. The recommended dietary amount for men is 11, for women is 8. Always check with your doctor. The importance of antioxidants and zinc was especially stressed.

Favorite Fruit Nutrition Facts -- See this page about fresh fruit and how it provides excellent nutrition including high amounts of Vitamin C, A, and other important antioxidants, as well as potassium and minerals. These are all important recommendations for prevention of eye disease.
Click here - to get the official FDA Fruit Nutrition chart. -- This chart gives important comparisons of fruit nutrition facts. Look for those high in Vitamins C and A, which are great antioxidants.
Click here - to get the FDA Vegetable Nutrition chart. -- You will be able to compare the vital vision and macular degeneration nutrition, that we have discussed in the above paragraphs, contained in your favorite vegetables.

Macular degeneration nutrition is very specific. It can be difficult obtaining all of the needed nutrients in food sources, so AREDS type vitamin and mineral supplements have been recommended. (But always consult with your doctor). Keep in mind that eating fresh foods and whole grains in bread, pasta and rice are always more nutritional. They are broken down more slowly than the “white” versions, and so are much better for digestion and blood sugar levels. “White” processed foods are high in the glycemic index. (They are broken down too rapidly). We eat them a lot, but they have little nutrition or fiber and are taxing on the body to process. In fact, some studies reported that these types of foods can actually increase risk of macular degeneration and other eye problems.

Treatments for macular degeneration recommend predominantly fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. The same for other types of vision loss. Because we get so many of the nutrients in inadequate amounts, it is important to use vitamins and supplements along with good macular degeneration nutrition..

Also see our page on
Nutrition Food Values and Food Chart -- and learn about the most recent government recommendations.

Return from Macular Degeneration Nutrition,
back to Causes of Blindness

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