March 15, 2009
Vitamin Breakthrough in Preventing Macula Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is a progressive disorder that damages the central most part of the retina called the Macula. This area of the eye has the highest concentration of neuroreceptors and thus the most acute vision. Any alteration in this section of the retina will result in decreased vision.
A recent study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine on Feb 23 2009, indicated that the use of Vitamin B supplements can reduce both the onset and severity of this debilitating condition. The study was conducted on female health care professionals with a history of cardiovascular disease, or who were at risk of developing it. 5205 women were followed for an average of 7.3 years. Those taking the Vitamin B were found to have a 41% reduced risk of significant degeneration as compared to those who were given placebos during the same time period.
The test group took a combination of Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid. Dr Wm Christen , the study’s lead author, believes the positive effects were do to the Vitamin’s ability to reduce the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine which have been implicated in vision loss resulting from macular degeneration. Further studies need to be performed before vitamin therapy becomes an accepted treatment modality, but it does show promise in reducing the cases and severity of this condition.
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As people continue to live longer, the incidence of eye disease such as macular degeneration is on the rise. These types of debilitating eye diseases rob people of vision, and can result in individuals losing their independence.
It is believed that the visual system requires up to 25% of the nutrients we take into our bodies in order to stay healthy. Impaired circulation and/or poor absorption of nutrients can significantly contribute to eye disease. Regular exercise and management of emotional stress are also critical for maintaining health.
Eye conditions/diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and may others can be responsive to specific nutritional supplementation
For example. there is a great deal of peer review research now showing the vision can be preserved through a proper diet and specific nutritional supplementation, and that macular degeneration is a nutritionally responsive eye disease.
The recent B vitamin study showing that those that supplement with B6, B12 and folic acid have a significant lower risk of getting macular degeneration is one of many studies proving macular degeneration to be a nutritionally responsive eye disease.
Essential nutrients include lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, gingko biloba, lycopene, vitamin A, E, zinc, copper, selenium for example, that can help both prevent the onset of eye disease such as macular degeneration as well as help preserve vision for those with macular degeneration.
Daily eye exercises also help maintain healthy vision. For a demo of 3 great eye exercises by Dr. Grossman, one of the Country’s leading behavioral optometrists, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W10j2fL0hy0
For more information on nutrition and macular degeneration and related research studies, go to Natural Eye Care for Macular Degeneration