Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD is a disease where the cells of the macula slowly die, causing vision problems. The macula is located at the center of the eye's retina. It is responsible for detailed central vision.
A diet low in antioxidants is a risk factor for AMD since this disease is largely caused by weak cells (macula) that could be prevented by eating foods rich in antioxidants such as lutein.Lutein is a phytochemical that has been shown to prevent AMD as well as cataracts.
Vitamins C, E and A (beta-carotene) are all antioxidants that help prevent AMD as well. Read more on phytochemicals on fruits and vegetables that aid in AMD prevention.
How much antioxidants should you take?
The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that taking a specific high dose formula of antioxidants and zinc may delay or prevent intermediate age-related macular degeneration from progressing to the advanced stage.
These antioxidant vitamins and minerals are:
- 500 milligrams of vitamin C
- 400 International Units of vitamin E
- 15 milligrams of beta-carotene
- 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide
- two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide
These antioxidants suggested by the AREDS formula help maintain healthy cells and tissues and may prevent damage in the macula.
What about glutathione?Glutathione is a relatively new antioxidant. So, its not as established as the older ones such as Vitamins C and beta carotene. But as the master antioxidant, glutathione helps fight AMD by fighting inflammation on the macula as well as other eye cells.
After all, glutathione depletion comes with age. So, it makes sense to keep out GSH levels high to avoid age-related diseases such as macular degeneration!
Want a Macular Degeneration testimonial? Read this incredible testimonial of a 96-year-old woman. Her vision improved in just 8 days after taking a glutathione supplement!
Pretty amazing for an "unknown" antioxidant!
AMD is a leading cause of vision loss or blindness in Americans 60 and older. It is a "senior" disease that affects one third of adults over the age of 75!
