A study that was published in International Journal of Ophthalmology shows that micronutrients such as zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids and lutein could help some adults to ward off age-related macular degeneration, reported Food Consumer on January 20.

According to the article, researchers who participated in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found evidence suggesting that the use of micronutrients like vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene and zinc were good at slowing down the progression of the eye ailment in men and women during a 60-month follow up. The researchers added that these micronutrients were useful in warding off the progression of early AMD to advanced AMD, but did not necessarily slow down the development of early macular degeneration to the atrophic form of the eye ailment.

According to the article, the researchers noted that zeaxanthin, vitamin A and lutein can be found in broccoli, peas, sprouts, spinach, peas, watercress and turnip. Vitamin C, added the researchers, is located in cauliflower, oranges, cabbage and kiwi fruit. And Vitamin E can be found in tomatoes, vegetable oils, asparagus, wholegrain cereals, pumpkins, nuts and turnips. Meanwhile, the researchers added in the article that zinc can be found in oysters and omega-3 fatty acids can be found in oily fish and various other sorts of seafood.

According to the article, people would likely not be able to get the amount of micronutrients they need from regular food intake. As such, they recommended dietary supplements.

Eating the right kinds of food is essential to reducing the odds of being diagnosed with AMD. But there’s more to it than that. Research has found that people who exercise on a regular basis, maintain an ideal weight and keep their blood pressure in check can do their eye health a world of good. It’s also important to make annual eye exams or tests a priority.  People with a family history of AMD need to go in for more regular tests. They can speak to their eye care specialist to see what he or she would recommend. While AMD generally only impacts elderly people, seniors should understand that they don’t necessarily have to get the ailment just because they’re getting older. If they take care of their health, they can life a long and healthy life without getting AMD.

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Reference: http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Nutrition/Supplements/micronutrients_prevent_age-related_macular_degeneration_01201305.html