Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2)

The AREDS 2 trial of vitamins and minerals for macular degeneration (MD) prevention was published in 2013. The research shows that some groups of people given a special treatment with high-dose vitamins and minerals had a significantly reduced risk of developing macular degeneration.

The AREDS 2 treatment is a supplement of antioxidant plant pigments Lutein and Zeaxanthin, Vitamins C & E and the minerals zinc and copper. When high-risk patients take these supplements the risk of developing MD is reduced by 25%.

The daily supplements recommended by AREDS 2 trial were:

  • Lutein 10mg
  • Zeaxanthin 2mg
  • Vitamin C – 500 mg
  • Vitamin E – 400 IU or 268mg
  • 25 – 80 mg Zinc Oxide
  • 2 mg Copper Oxide (only necessary with a higher zinc dose)

AREDS doses of vitamins and zinc are much higher than in most multi-vitamin pills. AREDS 2 showed that if Zinc was reduced to 25mg per day it was equally effective. So, if 80mg of zinc upsets your stomach, you may take less. The AREDS 2 formula has been scientifically proved to help prevent MD. Generally there is no problem taking both AREDS 2 and multivitamins.

Please continue to read the studies and detailed resources using the following links, or check out our new eye supplement here!