Eye supplements for healthy vision

Healthy vision or good eyesight requires certain nutrients from a healthy diet or eye supplements. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that a healthy diet should emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. It should also include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. In fact, many Americans take a diet that is high in calorie but low in nutrients. A healthy diet should still be low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.

Getting eye nutrients from supplements is a good alternative

While a majority of modern people know exactly the significance and importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, not all of them do it well. This is not an easy routine task. If your diet is not healthy enough, multivitamins and mineral supplements can offer enough nutrients that your eyes need. This source is a good alternative and there are numerous products in the market. Compared with the means of taking a right diet, consuming supplements is more convenient and requires little effort.

Specific eye nutrients recommended by AREDS

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) investigated the natural history and risk factors of macular degeneration and cataracts and evaluated the effect of high doses of antioxidants zinc on the two diseases’ progression in the 1990s. AREDS recommended a formula that can significantly reduce the risk of developing advanced macular degeneration. The formula contains Vitamin C, E and A, Zinc and copper. AREDS also found that antioxidant eye vitamins can decrease the risk of developing cataracts.  A follow-up study named AREDS2 aim at evaluating the effects of other nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids.

The detailed functions of various nutrients

In general, supplements that contain the above ingredients can protect you from degenerative eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. In detail, vision multivitamins should contain certain elements. These elements are essential in preventing the deterioration of degenerative eye diseases. Vitamins A helps maintain night vision and heal wounds. Vitamin B complex including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 helps decrease chronic inflammation and prevent macular degeneration as well as treat uveitis. Vitamin C and E are also included by the AREDS formula. Lutein and zeaxanthin may also play a role in reducing macular degeneration and cataracts. While phytochemical antioxidants protect the eyes from oxidative stress, omega-3 essential fatty acids have been proved to lower the incidence of developing dry eye.

Popular brands of vision supplements and some administration tips

Among various multivitamins solutions, popular brands such as ICaps, Ocuvite PreserVision, Oculaire and MacuTrition are more convincing. Some tips are important when you choose multivitamins. You should check the expiration date and the bottle seal. Doses are also critical that you must strictly follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. Supplements that contain filters such as dairy products, corn and wheat are not suitable for people with allergies. High bioavailability enables your body to absorb nutrients more easily. And capsules are also easier for absorption than hard tablets. In addition, you should also be aware of safety issues while taking eye supplements. Pregnant and nursing individuals need additional care.