Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
For the body system: Eyes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is recognized for its role in ocular health, particularly in supporting the integrity of the eye’s blood vessels and acting as an antioxidant. Scientific studies indicate that vitamin C is present in high concentrations in the aqueous humor of the eye, suggesting a protective role against oxidative stress. Oxidative damage is implicated in the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Some observational studies have associated higher dietary intake of vitamin C with a lower risk of developing cataracts. Moreover, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and its follow-up, AREDS2, evaluated the effect of antioxidant supplementation (including vitamin C) in reducing the progression of AMD. Results showed a modest benefit for people at high risk of advanced AMD, though the contribution of vitamin C alone could not be isolated, as the formulation included other antioxidants and zinc. Overall, while there is some scientific validation for vitamin C’s supportive role in eye health, especially as an antioxidant, the strength of evidence specifically for preventing or treating eye diseases is moderate and often confounded by the use of combination supplements. Thus, vitamin C is widely used based on plausible mechanisms and some supportive data, but high-level clinical evidence for its independent efficacy is limited.

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