Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols/tocopherols)
For the health condition: Macular Degeneration
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin E (which includes tocopherols and tocotrienols) has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older adults. The rationale is based on Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties, as oxidative stress is believed to contribute to the progression of AMD. The landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), sponsored by the National Eye Institute, evaluated whether high-dose supplementation with antioxidants (including Vitamin E), zinc, and copper could slow the progression of AMD. In the AREDS formulation, Vitamin E was included (400 IU per day); the study found a modest reduction in the risk of progression to advanced AMD among individuals at high risk when treated with the full AREDS formula. However, subsequent studies, including AREDS2, found that removing or replacing certain antioxidants (such as beta-carotene) did not reduce the effectiveness of the formula, and that Vitamin E alone, or in other combinations, did not confer significant additional benefit. There is no strong evidence that Vitamin E alone, or specific forms like mixed tocotrienols/tocopherols, is effective for preventing or treating AMD. Most clinical guidelines recommend the full AREDS or AREDS2 formulas rather than Vitamin E as a standalone supplement. Therefore, the use of Vitamin E for AMD is scientifically based, but the evidence is limited, and its effectiveness appears to rely on combination with other nutrients.
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Other ingredients used for Macular Degeneration
algal oilalpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
beta-carotene
blueberry
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
fish oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lutein
marine lipid
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
zeaxanthin
zinc
algae
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Avocado
anthocyanidins
Bioflavonoids
Cyanidin
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols/tocopherols)
Age SpotsAging (prevention)
Alzheimer's Disease
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Bruises (healing)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Dementia
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Liver Detoxification
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause