2025.11.23 11:00 (Updated 2025.11.21) | Kayla Chen
Research on the formulation of the AREDS series shows that it can slow the progression of macular degeneration (Image/Freepik).
AREDS and AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) are two important clinical studies in the United States focusing on age-related eye diseases. They primarily investigate whether supplementation with specific vitamins and minerals can help with macular degeneration and eye health. The following is a summary of key points:
Introduction to the first generation of AREDS
In 1992, the National Eye Institute (NEI) led a study to assess whether antioxidant vitamins and minerals could slow the progression of macular degeneration and cataracts in high-risk patients.
The formula used in the first generation of AREDS research:
- Vitamin C: 500 mg
- Vitamin E: 400 IU
- β-carotene: 15 mg
- Zinc (zinc oxide): 80 mg
- Copper (copper oxide): 2 mg (to prevent copper deficiency caused by zinc)
Research findings:
- For patients with moderate to severe macular degeneration, it can reduce the risk of progression to advanced stages by approximately 25%.
- However, its preventive effect on early macular degeneration or the general population is limited.
The AREDS2 formula uses lutein and zeaxanthin instead of beta-carotene (Image/Freepik).
Introduction to the second-generation AREDS2
Starting in 2006, the main improvement to the AREDS formula was due to the discovery that beta-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Therefore, the addition of lutein and zeaxanthin to replace beta-carotene was evaluated.
AREDS2 study uses the following formulation:
- Vitamin C: 500 mg
- Vitamin E: 400 IU
- Zinc: 80 mg or 25 mg (The original formula used a high dose of zinc (80 mg/day). Long-term use of high-dose zinc may cause side effects. Therefore, the AREDS2 clinical trial compared 80 mg high-dose zinc with 25 mg low-dose zinc.)
- Copper: 2 mg
- Lutein: 10 mg
- Zeaxanthin: 2 mg
Research findings:
- Lutein and zeaxanthin can further reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration by 20%.
- The effect of reducing the zinc dosage is similar to that of the first-generation formula, but the side effects are significantly reduced. Middle-aged and elderly patients often have chronic diseases, and reducing the zinc dosage can make the formula safer and easier to take for a long time.
- Like the first-generation formula, it has limited effectiveness in preventing early macular degeneration or in the general population.
In summary, research on eye-care ingredient formulations from AREDS and AREDS2 in the United States shows that for patients already diagnosed with macular degeneration, nutritional supplementation can slow the progression of the disease. When purchasing lutein or related eye health products, prioritize those labeled as using ingredients formulated with AREDS2 from the United States.
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