Age-related macular degeneration and antioxidant vitamins: recent findings

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the present review is to evaluate the most recent evidence for a role of antioxidant nutrients in the prevention or delay in progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of visual impairment and blindness in the aging population. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent human studies (>2008) report a decreased AMD risk with increased intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin, B vitamins, zinc and docosahexaenoic acid but an increased risk with increased intakes of beta-carotene and vitamin E. These latter findings are inconsistent with previous reports (<2008). SUMMARY: Findings on the association of certain antioxidants and docosahexaenoic acid support a role for nutrition in a decreased risk of AMD. The inconsistent findings of an increased risk with increased intake of beta-carotene and vitamin E warrants continued investigation into these relationships.