Eyes

Limited evidence

• AREDS2 formula for macular degeneration

  A set combination of vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and copper, named after the US trial that tested it.

  • RCOphth: Some evidence for people with AMD at high risk of it worsening; ask an optometrist.
  • NICE: Its effect on AMD getting worse is unknown, so a new trial is recommended.

  Also covered by NHS, RNIB, Macular Society and NICE.

No good evidence

• Lutein and zeaxanthin

  Yellow plant pigments found in kale, spinach, peppers and eggs, and held in the macula at the back of the eye.

  • RNIB: No evidence that people without AMD should take them to stop it developing.
  • NICE: A review of trials found no evidence for them in stopping AMD from starting.

  Also covered by Macular Society.

• Omega-3

  Fats found in oily fish, and in some plant oils, nuts and seeds; supplements come from fish, krill or algae.

  • NCCIH: Adding omega-3s to the AREDS2 formula made no further difference to AMD.
  • NCCIH: A year-long trial in dry eye disease found them no better than a placebo.

• Bilberry

  The dark berry of a shrub native to northern Europe and North America, similar to a blueberry; sold as extracts.

  • NCCIH: The most rigorous studies found no effect on night vision in healthy people.
  • NCCIH: Not clearly shown to make a difference in any health condition.

• Vitamin E

  A group of compounds found in plant oils such as rapeseed, sunflower and olive oil, and in nuts, seeds and wheatgerm.

  • NICE: A review of trials found vitamin E did not stop or delay AMD starting.

  Also covered by NHS.

Advised against

• Beta-carotene

  A yellow-orange pigment in fruit and vegetables that the body turns into vitamin A.

  • NHS: Anyone who smokes or has been exposed to asbestos is advised not to take it.
  • NICE: No longer recommended in AMD supplements, because of a lung cancer risk in smokers.

  Also covered by Macular Society and RNIB.

Things to check

• NHS: Speak to a GP or your specialist if you are considering supplements for AMD; they are not suitable for everyone.
• RNIB: If you smoke or have ever smoked, make sure any supplement you take has no beta-carotene.
• NHS: Do not take more than 25mg of zinc supplements a day unless a doctor advises it.
• NICE: Zinc supplements bring a small added risk of hospital admission for urinary problems, such as infections or stones.
• NICE: With diabetes or vascular disease, vitamin E supplements may bring a small added risk of heart failure.
• Macular Society: If you take warfarin, you may need to avoid high doses of omega-3; vitamins E and K may also interact with warfarin and aspirin.
• NHS: If you take supplements containing vitamin A, keep your total from food and supplements to 1.5mg a day or less.
• NCCIH: If you take any medicine, talk to a health professional before using bilberry or other herbal products.

If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, check with a pharmacist or GP first.