10 March 2014
A long-term daily use of multivitamin as well as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements may significantly lower the risk of developing cataract in men.
The randomized controlled trial documented cases of cataract among 14,641 male physicians age 50 and older who took a common daily multivitamin, as well as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene supplements, or a placebo for 14 years (1). The study results showed that the risk of developing cataract was reduced by 9% in the group who supplemented compared to the placebo group. This risk was even lower, at 13%, for nuclear cataract, the most common variety of cataract associated with the aging process.
The researchers commented that even a modest 10% reduction in cataract risk would nonetheless have a large public health impact, given that an estimated 10 million adults in the United States have impaired vision due to cataract. Regarding another common eye disease, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the use of antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements, including high daily doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper only for patients who have intermediate or advanced AMD (2). More recent results suggest lutein and zeaxanthin may be an appropriate substitution for beta-carotene in the formulation (3).
8 February 2018
This Valentine’s Day, say it with fish, not flowers! On the one day of the year that we think most of our hearts, be sure to talk to a loved one about the importance of omega-3s for heart health.
15 September 2014
Discussions about the sense and nonsense of dietary supplements take place regularly. Studies suggesting that high doses of vitamins and minerals may even shorten lives are gladly taken up by the media and enhance this dispute, the result of which being that many consumers who had previously been promised a health benefit of supplements are sometimes left feeling very uncertain.
22 May 2013
According to a new US study, calcium is important for building strong bones in children, but, except for those with very low intake, may not be more important than magnesium.
