![]() The originally recommended “AREDS formula,” based on the study results, included 80 mg zinc (as zinc oxide and copper), and the antioxidants (vitamin C, 500 mg vitamin E, 400 IU and beta carotene, 15 mg). A later study, AREDS2, modified the recommended formula to include 10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, 1000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (350 mg DHA and 650 mg EPA), no beta-carotene and 25 mg zinc. Although 80mg of zinc was included in the original formulation, some nutritionists expressed concern that the dose was too high and many people experienced stomach upset from the high dose. Those people with moderate to advanced AMD, reduced their risk of progressing to the advanced form of AMD by 25% over a period of five years, and they also reduced their risk of experiencing vision loss related to AMD by 19%. ![]() In the original study, 3640 participants were randomly assigned to receive a placebo, zinc, antioxidants, or antioxidants plus zinc. The original AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) was a large clinical trial conducted by the National Eye Institute and demonstrated how AMD progression is closely linked to nutrition. The study results were originally published in 2001 and long-term follow up in 2013. Our body is not able to store zinc, so it is important to make sure you are getting enough every day to meet the daily requirements. For individuals with no known health issues or risk factors, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 11 mg/day of zinc for adult men and 8 mg/day for adult women. For those with a high risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, higher doses of 25mg/day, have been shown to be optimal for slowing the progression of the disease and preserving vision. How much zinc do you need for good general health? For eye health? Nutritional zinc deficiency has also been shown to have a role in cataract formation, particularly in tropical and developing nations where sun exposure is quite high and nutritional deficits may be more common. Studies have shown a connection to the amount of zinc in our bodies and quality of night vision. There is evidence that a zinc deficiency can cause difficulties with night vision, however having high or increased levels of zinc does not appear to make vast improvements to night vision. Unfortunately, as we age, the amount of melanin in the body declines to nearly 50% by age 65, reducing the amount of protection we receive. Once this protection is gone, people are more susceptible to eye diseases, including macular degeneration. Zinc works with Vitamin A that it helps bring from the liver to the eye to make the pigment melanin. We have melanin in our skin, hair, and eyes, and like a built-in sunscreen, it absorbs potentially harmful UV and blue light. Greater amounts of melanin means increased protection from damaging light. There are high levels of zinc concentrated in your retina, choroid (highly vascular tissue layer under the retina) and the macula. The macula is an area of the retina located near its center, responsible for clear, fine, central vision. How does zinc help with eye health? The macula is an area of the retina located near its center, responsible for clear, fine, central vision ![]() In addition to eye health, zinc is also important for our immune system, brain, and functioning of other body systems. An insufficiency of zinc can lead to an increased risk of infection and mental sluggishness at any age and negatively impact normal growth and development in infants and children. Zinc is an important part of our cells, it helps to form enzymes and hormones for body system functioning, and helps with blood clotting, so not getting enough can cause serious health problems. Zinc is a mineral, which is an element that comes from soil and water, unlike vitamins that are organic substance made by plants or animals. Within our bodies, zinc is often referred to as a trace element or micromineral because we only require it in very small amounts, but those small amounts are essential for eye health, and vital for our health, overall. In addition to zinc, other trace elements include iron, iodine, fluoride, copper, chromium, selenium, manganese and molybdenum. ![]() Zinc is essential for eye health and overall health. Zinc is essetial for eye health and overall health. Test Your Knowledge About Zinc and Eye Health!įor those with a high risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), 25mg/day of zinc has been shown to be beneficial for slowing the progression of the disease and preserving vision.
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