Evidence supporting the use of: Mixed carotenoids
For the health condition: Eye Problems

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Mixed carotenoids are used to support eye health, and this use is primarily justified by scientific evidence. Carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene are pigments found in fruits and vegetables that play a crucial role in ocular function. Lutein and zeaxanthin, in particular, are concentrated in the macula of the human retina, where they help filter harmful blue light and act as antioxidants, protecting ocular tissues from oxidative stress. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies, such as those summarized in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), have shown that supplementation with these carotenoids can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The evidence for beta-carotene is more mixed: while it is a provitamin A compound essential for vision, high-dose supplementation is not recommended for smokers due to increased lung cancer risk. Mixed carotenoid supplements typically include lutein and zeaxanthin, which have robust support for their protective effects on eye health. Therefore, the use of mixed carotenoids for supporting or treating certain eye problems, especially those related to macular health and oxidative stress, is considered scientifically validated, although efficacy may vary depending on the specific condition and individual patient factors.

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