Vitamin A & C, Antioxidant Combo (2017) for Cataracts

Researchers have noted that combinations of nutrients often are more effective in combination against eye condition problems than the same nutrients taken by themselves.

The combination of vitamins A and C taken with omega-3 fatty acids is a good example.

In one such study researchers investigated a number of nutrient patterns based on diet. They were:

• 1. Sodium pattern: niacin, thiamin, carbohydrates, protein, zinc, vitamin B6 and sodium.
• 1. Fatty acid pattern: oleic acid, monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, linoleic acid, trans fatty acid, linolenic acid, vitamin E and saturated fats.
• 3. Mixed pattern: vitamin B12, vitamin D, cholesterol and calcium.
• 4. Antioxidant pattern: high intake of beta and alpha carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C.
• 5. Omega-3 pattern: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

The sodium and fatty acid patterns were linked to increased cataract risk; while the antioxidant pattern had a 79% reduced risk (compared to sodium pattern). Omega-3 pattern also reduced cataract risk.

Research: Sedaghat, F., Ghanavati, M., Nezhad, Hajian, P., Hajishirazi, S., Ehteshami, M., et al. (2017). Nutrient patterns and risk of cataract: a case-control study. Int J Ophthalmol, Apr 18;10(4):586-592.