Do Nutritional Supplements Have a Role in Age Macular Degeneration Prevention?

Autores de IIS La Fe

• María Dolores Pinazo Durán

  Autor

• Lucia Arias Portaceli

  Autor

• Roberto Gallego Pinazo

  Autor

• Jose Javier Garcia Medina

  Autor

• Manuel Díaz Llopis

  Autor

Participantes ajenos a IIS La Fe

• Gómez-Ulla F
• Araiz J
• Casaroli-Marano R
• López-Gálvez MI
• Manzanas L
• Salas A
• Zapata M
• García-Layana A

Grupos

• Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica

  

  Leader

  José María Millán Salvador

Abstract

Purpose. To review the proposed pathogenic mechanisms of age macular degeneration (AMD), as well as the role of antioxidants (AOX) and omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3) supplements in AMD prevention. Materials and Methods. Current knowledge on the cellular/molecular mechanisms of AMD and the epidemiologic/experimental studies on the effects of AOX and omega-3 were addressed all together with the scientific evidence and the personal opinion of professionals involved in the Retina Group of the OFTARED (Spain). Results. High dietary intakes of omega-3 and macular pigments lutein/zeaxanthin are associated with lower risk of prevalence and incidence in AMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease study (AREDS) showed a beneficial effect of high doses of vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, and zinc/copper in reducing the rate of progression to advanced AMD in patients with intermediate AMD or with one-sided late AMD. The AREDS-2 study has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin may substitute beta-carotene because of its potential relationship with increased lung cancer incidence. Conclusion. Research has proved that elder people with poor diets, especially with low AOX and omega-3 micronutrients intake and subsequently having low plasmatic levels, are more prone to developing AMD. Micronutrient supplementation enhances antioxidant defense and healthy eyes and might prevent/retard/modify AMD.