Vitamin C, E, (1987, 2020) and AMD (also Beta Carotene, and more)

Learn more about diabetic retinopathy.

2020

Vitamins C and E and other phytotherapeutic products (plants that either treat disease or promote health) help treat AMD by reducing retinal degeneration caused by a). oxidative stress, which affects proteins, lipids, and DNA, and can cause tissue damage or cell apoptosis, and b). pathological neovascularization (the process where new blood vessels are formed).

This 2020 review of studies analyzes the most investigated plants and natural products found to help treat AMD, including bilberry/blueberry, ginkgo, saffron, vitamins C and E, and more. Also discussed in this article is the safety, dosage, and efficiency of these products.

Vitamins C, E and AMD

a. Both vitamins C and E are known to treat AMD. They act as antioxidants.

b. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, a water-soluble antioxidant, protects proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids from free radicals and ROS (reactive oxygen species) damage.

c. Vitamin E, a lipid-soluble antioxidant, also plays a role in protecting proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids from free radical and ROS damage.

Bosch-Morell F, Villagrasa V, Ortega T, Acero N, Munoz-Mingarro D, et al. (2020). Medicinal plants and natural products as neuroprotective agents in age-related macular degeneration. Neural Regen Res. Dec;15(12):2207-2216.

1987

Researchers found in a clinical study of patients with macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. In the trial 60% of the people received 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 15,000 IU of beta carotene and selenium supplements. These people showed slower development of their condition and or a lessening of symptoms.

Published: South Med J; 1987