Dec 02 2008
Use of Mulitvitamins Slows Cataracts
Can something as easy as taking a daily multi-vitamin help prevent cataracts? Researchers believe it can!
An analysis of Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) data has found that consistent use of a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement may delay the progression of age-related lens opacities. Lens opacities in the form of cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world today.
Of the 4596 participants enrolled in the AREDS cataract trial, approximately two-thirds elected to take a multi-vitamin supplement containing RDA-recommended levels of vitamins and minerals.
Subjects were assessed for development or progression of lens opacities via lens photographs at baseline and at annual visits beginning at year 2. Statistics were collected on changes in amounts of nuclear, cortical, or posterior subcapsular opacity, or the performance of cataract surgery.
Researchers found the risk of development of or progression to any cataract was reduced by 16% in regular multi-vitamin takers. For nuclear cataract, a 25% risk reduction was observed in the multi-supplement users.
Read more about cataracts, including recommended vitamins and supplements
SOURCE: “Centrum Use and Progression of Age-Related Cataract in AREDS”, AREDS Research Group, Ophthalmol 113:1264-0, 2006.
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