What Is the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS and AREDS2)?
The First Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)
The first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute to:- Learn more about the history of, and risk factors for, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract;
- Evaluate the effect of high doses of antioxidants and zinc on the progression of AMD and cataract.
- 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
- 400 international units of vitamin E
- 15 mg beta-carotene (for non-smokers only)
- 80 mg zinc as zinc oxide
- 2 mg copper as cupric oxide (to avoid anemia with high zinc intake)
The Second Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS2)
In May 2013, The National Eye Institute concluded the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, which tested several changes to the original AREDS formulation:- The primary goal of the AREDS2 study was to determine if (a) adding omega-3 fatty acids or (b) lutein and zeaxanthin (the anti-oxidants found in dark green leafy vegetables) to the original AREDS formulation would make it more effective for reducing the risk of advanced AMD and cataract.
- The AREDS2 research group also substituted lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, which prior studies had associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers.
- 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
- 400 international units of vitamin E
- 80 mg zinc as zinc oxide
- 2 mg copper as cupric oxide (to avoid anemia with high zinc intake)
- 10 mg lutein
- 2 mg zeaxanthin