Does Zeaxanthin Help with Macular Degeneration?

What the heck is zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan-thin)?  Zeaxanthin is a pigmented chemical that is found in plants, fruits, and vegetables.  The human  body does not produce this chemical and it must be derived from plant sources in your daily diet.

What is the role of zeaxanthin in macular degeneration?  Zeaxanthin is found in the portion of the retina called the macula.  The macula is what is affected when you are diagnosed with macular degeneration.  The macula is a small oval yellow spot in the center of the retina responsible for central vision.  Zeaxanthin and lutein act as internal sunglasses for your retina because they act as filters and protect the macula against damaging blue light.

What are the best food sources for zeaxanthin?  It is recommended that you ingest foods containing zeaxanthin to help protect the health of your eyes.  Some good food sources high in zeaxanthin are corn, eggs, orange peppers, artichoke hearts, kale, spinach, and collard greens.

Zeaxanthin is currently being studied in an ongoing clinical study called AREDS 2.  This study is looking at the effects of zeaxanthin, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids on age related macular degeneration.  The original AREDS concluded that supplementing your diet with a vitamin containing specific quantities of specific antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of vision loss and slow the progression of dry macular degeneration.  AREDS is the largest completed study of age related eye disease to date.

UPDATE: AREDS 2 has been completed and the National Eye Institute reported their AREDS 2 results in May of 2013.

Some experts believe that zeaxanthin and lutein may be part of the success formula needed to prevent macular degeneration in people who have not developed the eye disease yet.  However, the evidence for this claim is non-conclusive and highly debatable among clinicians and researchers.

There is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zeaxanthin and there are many supplements that contain this in their formulation.  Most eye care specialists recommend that you supplement your diet with a vitamin if you have been diagnosed with dry macular degeneration.  You should find a supplement that contains ingredients studied in AREDS and also the items being studied in AREDS 2.

Preserve Mac Forte is an ocular supplement that contains the items studied in both AREDS and AREDS 2, including zeaxanthin and lutein.  Preserve Mac Forte is a comprehensive supplement with a total of 31 ingredients to give your eyes maximum protection and support full body health. Buy Preserve Mac Forte.