The Dose Of Vitamin E In The Areds Formulation Is Higher Than The Recommended Dietary Allowance Is This Safe
The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E for adults over 14 years old is 22.4 IU but it is not the maximum dose. Rather, it is the dose that nutrition experts have decided is sufficient for most people to remain healthy. The AREDS formula contains 400 IU to provide vitamin E beyond usual dietary intake.
The AREDS and AREDS2 trials found no adverse effects of 400 IU/day vitamin E. Other studies of adults taking more than 1,500 IU/day from natural vitamin E and 1,100 IU/day for synthetic vitamin E observed increased risk of bleeding, including brain bleeds. Most studies of vitamin E supplementation below these levels have shown beneficial or no effects on heart disease.
However, vitamin E can interact with some medications, including blood thinners, chemotherapeutic agents, and lipid-lowering drugs. NEI recommends consulting with a health care provider before taking vitamin E or other nutritional supplements.
For more information, please see the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements page on vitamin E.
How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use PreserVision AREDS ) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
- Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
Long-acting products:
- Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
Liquid:
- Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with PreserVision AREDS ). If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure PreserVision AREDS ).
Chewable tablet:
- Chew well before swallowing.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take PreserVision AREDS ) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very upset stomach or throwing up.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Numbness and tingling.
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Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects
Because AREDS 2 supplements have very large amounts of vitamins and minerals, they may change the way your body digests food. They can also change the way that other medicines work in your body.
An older type of these supplements called AREDS instead of AREDS 2 have beta-carotene, which can increase the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke or used to smoke. AREDS 2 supplements dont have beta-carotene. So if you smoke or used to smoke, make sure to choose the newer AREDS 2 supplements.
Always talk with your doctor before you start taking a new medicine or supplement and tell them about all the other medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits of taking AREDS 2.
Viteyes Classic Areds 2 Softgels
4.74
Support your macular health with our AREDS 2 softgel vision supplements!
In 2013, the National Eye Institute completed the AREDS 2 study. Our Viteyes Classic AREDS 2 Softgels are formulated based on the clinically effective formula tested by the AREDS 2 study.
Researched macular support Fish and red dye free Once a day dosage
Viteyes Classic AREDS 2 Softgels contain the key eye nutrients vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin. This product is Beta-Carotene Free. Classic AREDS 2 Softgels does not contain Red Dye and is fish free. Take just two softgels, once daily for macular support. Viteyes Eye Health supplements are recommended by eye physicians worldwide.
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Are Areds 2 Supplements Right For Me
It depends what stage of AMD you have. If you have intermediate AMD in 1 or both eyes, they may be able to stop it from turning into late AMD.
AREDS 2 supplements cant prevent early AMD from developing into intermediate AMD. If your eye doctor tells you that you have early AMD, get a dilated eye exam at least once a year so your doctor can keep track of any changes.
If you have late AMD in only 1 eye, AREDS 2 may slow down the progression of AMD in the other eye. If you already have late AMD in both eyes, AREDS 2 supplements probably wont help. But low vision resources can help you make the most of your remaining sight.
Can A Daily Multivitamin Alone Provide The Same Vision Benefits As The Areds Or Areds2 Formulas
No. The vitamins and minerals tested in AREDS and AREDS2 trials were provided in much higher doses than what is found in multivitamins. Also, it is important to remember that most of the trial participants took multivitamins. Taking an AREDS formulation clearly provided a benefit over and above multivitamins.
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What Drugs And Food Should I Avoid While Taking Preservision Areds 2
Avoid taking more than one multivitamin product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking similar products together can result in an overdose or serious side effects.
Avoid the use of salt substitutes in your diet if your multivitamin and mineral contains potassium. If you are on a low-salt diet, ask your doctor before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement.
Do not take this medicine with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain minerals.
How Do Lutein And Zeaxanthin Compare To Beta
During the AREDS trial, two large trials funded by the National Cancer Institute found that beta-carotene may increase lung cancer risk among people who smoke. Lutein and zeaxanthin are in the same family of nutrients as beta-carotene and are believed to have important functions in the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin have not been associated with increased cancer risk.
Some studies prior to AREDS2 found that dietary intake of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a lower risk of developing advanced AMD. Analysis from the AREDS2 trial suggests that lutein + zeaxanthin offers similar or better protective benefits against advanced AMD compared with beta-carotene. In the trial, participants who took an AREDS formulation containing lutein + zeaxanthin lacking beta-carotene had an 18% lower risk of progressing to advanced AMD compared with those who took AREDS containing beta-carotene . Among participants who had the lowest dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, those who took AREDS with lutein + zeaxanthin had a 26% lower risk of progressing to advanced AMD compared to participants taking the original AREDS formula.
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Should I Have Genetic Testing To Learn If Areds/areds2 Supplements Are Right For Me
Data suggest that comprehensive dilated eye exams provide the best way to determine AMD risk. Genetic testing adds very little to fine tuning this estimate of AMD risk.
NEI analyses of AREDS and AREDS2 data indicate that AREDS/AREDS2 supplements are beneficial for patients of all tested genotypes. Based on the overall data, the American Academy of Ophthalmology also does not support the use of genetic testing to guide treatment for AMD.
What Is The Risk Of Lung Cancer From Taking Beta
In the AREDS2 trial, current smokers or those who had quit smoking less than a year before enrollment were excluded from receiving beta-carotene. Despite this precaution, lung cancers were observed in 2% of participants who took an AREDS formulation with beta-carotene, compared with 0.9% of participants who took AREDS without beta-carotene. Across both groups, about 91% of participants who developed lung cancer were former smokers.
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What Are Some Other Side Effects Of This Drug
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What Is The Basis For The Concentration Of Zinc In The Areds Supplements What Concentration Should I Take
In the AREDS trial, the 80 mg zinc dose was found to be effective compared to a placebo. Although zinc was found to be an essential component of the AREDS formulation, some nutritional experts recommended a lower dose. In the AREDS2 trial, there was no placebo control. Instead, participants were given the option to take the original formula or to be randomly assigned to receive a modified version, such as a formula containing 25 mg zinc. The investigators did not find a difference in the effects of 80 mg vs. 25 mg zinc. Because AREDS2 did not include a placebo control, results from AREDS, placebo-controlled trial, are still considered the gold standard.
Zinc is found in vegetables, grains, and meat. Vegetables and grains contain other molecules that can prevent zinc absorption and thus reduce its bioavailability. Supplements contain purified zinc, without these competing molecules. Although the chemical form of zinc affects its rate of absorption in the stomach, it is not clear how this affects bioavailability . For more on this topic, please see the zinc fact sheet from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.
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Are The Areds Vitamins Right For Me
In clinical trials, the AREDS and AREDS2 formulas benefited people with intermediate or late AMD. There was no benefit for people with early AMD or for people who do not have AMD.
Your primary care physician or eye care provider is in the best position to advise you on how treat your AMD. You may wish to discuss AREDS/AREDS2 supplements with your health care providers to decide which, if any, supplements are right for you.
What Vitamins Are In Preservision Areds 2
Vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body to function normally and there are many diseases and health related issues that may arise from a vitamin deficiency. These health-related issues include problems in the eyes. By taking the recommended dietary intake of important vitamins, not only will you be reducing the risk of eye problems, you will be improving your eyesight as well. PreserVision AREDS 2 is a vitamin supplement from Bausch+Lomb containing the exact levels of clinically proven nutrients recommended by the National Eye Institute. Here is a list of some of the essential vitamins in PreserVision AREDS 2 and their benefits to your eye health:
Lutein: A highly essential supplement for eye health, lutein forms a protective shield and prevents the formation of cataracts as well as macular degeneration in the eyes. This eye health supplement can be found in leafy green vegetables, orange vegetables, citrus fruits and egg yolks.
Vitamin C: This vitamin is used in the treatment and prevention of glaucoma as well as for the maintenance of collagen tissue in the eyes. This antioxidant gets rid of free radicals to help your body absorb more nutrients and trace minerals.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E can protect cells of the eyes from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals, which break down healthy eye tissue. Studies indicate that vitamin E reduces the progression of AMD and cataract formation.
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What Is Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration can be mild or a debilitating eye disease that most often affects people who are 60 years of age or older. The macula is a section of the eye that contains a large number of cells that enable people to see fine details and color. When a person develops macular degeneration, the macula stops functioning properly and the individual is unable to see colors and details as well as he or she did before.
People who are in the earliest stages of macular degeneration may need more lighting to see things close up and fine print might become difficult to read. Eventually, grayish spots will cover the field of vision, making it very hard for the sufferer to clearly see things straight ahead. The peripheral vision is unaffected by macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration is divided into two categories: dry and wet.
Dry macular degeneration is caused by fatty tissues called drusen building up beneath the retina. This type of age-related macular degeneration is the most common form of the disease. Wet macular degeneration causes abnormal blood vessels to form within the eye. According to the Macular Degeneration Foundation, between 85 and 90 percent of macular degeneration diagnoses are the dry form.
Formulated With Lower Zinc
The National Institute of Healths Tolerable Upper Intake Level of Zinc is 40 mg. This is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects. Some AREDS 2 brands use double this level !
The AREDS 2 Study tested both 80 mg of 25 mg of zinc. Investigators found NO significant changes in effectiveness of the formulation when lowering the zinc to 25 mg.
Too much zinc can cause nausea, interference with certain antibiotics & antivirals, stomach pains, high rate of UTIs & kidney stones, and inhibit absorption of iron & copper which leads to anemia and neurological damage.
All Viteyes AREDS 2 formulas are formulated with 25 mg, gentler for your digestive health, and can be taken in a single daily dosing.
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In Late 2001 The National Eye Institute Announced The First Eye Vitamin Formula That Was Successful In Slowing The Progress Of Age
It was a ground-breaking study for several reasons, but mostly because until that moment, while eye vitamins stocked the shelves at most pharmacies and grocery stores, there was no proven benefit against an eye condition that could proceed to blindness.
The study was unique for several reasons that made it more powerful in its conclusions than any prior study:
- It involved 3,640 of patients.
- The study took 6 years to complete.
- The study participants were RANDOMIZED. This meant that participants did not know if they were receiving the full AREDS formula, zinc alone, or placebo. And the researchers didn’t know what formula the participants were on either. This made the study even better, because when both participant and researcher do not know what is being tested, it is known as DOUBLE BLIND.
- The study was PROSPECTIVE. This means that rather than look back at paperwork and records and try to determine what people were taking and drawing conclusions, the AREDS research started from ground zero. When researchers do this, they strive to disprove the NULL HYPOTHESIS. In the case of AREDS, the null hypothesis would be, “These nutritional supplements will not be of benefit for people with macular degeneration.” When the supplement ingredients are found to be beneficial, voila! The null hypothesis has been proven incorrect, and the study now has an important finding.
Prospective, randomized, double-blind studies are the most important and powerful in scientific research.
Is Genetic Testing Helpful For Other Eye Diseases
Although not useful for AMD, genetic tests do help with the diagnosis and treatment of other eye diseases, such as Stargardt disease and von Hippel Lindau disease . In contrast to AMD, these diseases have a fixed pattern of inheritance, due usually to one faulty gene. AMD is considered complex, involving many genes and other factors. Stargardt disease is most commonly caused by mutations in a single gene called ABCA4. It can look like AMD but typically strikes at a younger age. Genetic testing can help diagnose the disease and potentially match patients to clinical trials. VHL disease can cause tumors in the eye but also in other areas, including the brain, spine, and kidney. Genetic testing for VHL disease is potentially lifesaving because a positive result strongly suggests the need for vigilant surveillance for cancer elsewhere in the body.
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Low Vision Aids For Macular Degeneration
If your retina specialist discovers that you have age-related macular degeneration, please dont panic. He or she will have some suggestions on low vision aids and low vision resources to help you deal with poor eyesight. In addition, there are a few things that you may help make macular degeneration a bit easier to deal with on a daily basis. These include:
Lighting There are special lights on the market that can prevent glare and offer better lighting for the visually impaired.
Magnifiers There are various types of magnifiers and optical devices available including hand magnifiers that you can hold or stand magnifiers that are mounted. You may have to try several different magnifiers before you find the one that works best for you and is the most comfortable to use. Magnifiers range in ability and price from the very simple and inexpensive to quite sophisticated and costly.
Large Print If you discover that you cant read books as well as you used to, check with your library or bookstore for large print editions. Also, if writing out checks is difficult, discuss this issue with your bank or credit union. Some of these organizations offer large print checks.
Books on Tape or CD Tens of thousands of books are now available for people on tape, CD, and reading apps such as Audible.com.
Reading Machines Readers can be installed on a computer so that the information on the screen is read aloud to the user.
