Antioxidant supplements in age-related macular degeneration: are they actually beneficial?
Mousumi BanerjeeRohan ChawlaAtul KumarPublished in: Therapeutic advances in ophthalmology (2021)
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is one of the prominent causes of central visual loss in the older age group in the urbanized, industrialized world. In recent years, many epidemiological studies and clinical trials have evaluated the role of antioxidants and micronutrients to prevent the progression of ARMD. In this article, we review some of these major studies. In addition, we review the absorption and bioavailability and possible undesirable effects of these nutrients after ingestion. The role of genotypes and inappropriate use of these supplements are also discussed. From all the above evidence, we conclude that it may not be prudent to prescribe these formulations without a proper assessment of the individual's health and dietary status. The effectiveness of all the components in antioxidant formulations is controversial. Thus, these supplements should not be prescribed just for the purpose of providing patients some kind of therapy, which may give a false sense of mental satisfaction.
Keyphrases
- age related macular degeneration
- clinical trial
- end stage renal disease
- oxidative stress
- ejection fraction
- mental health
- healthcare
- newly diagnosed
- randomized controlled trial
- public health
- chronic kidney disease
- anti inflammatory
- peritoneal dialysis
- case control
- physical activity
- stem cells
- health information
- patient reported outcomes
- risk assessment
- open label
- cell therapy
- social media
- placebo controlled