AREDS2 formula
The scientifically validated combination of vitamins and minerals proven to slow AMD progression by 25%. Represents the gold standard for evidence-based eye health supplementation.
Supplements for Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Progressive vision loss affecting the central visual field.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Carotenoid pigments that accumulate in the macula and lens, forming the only dietary defense against blue light damage. AREDS2 trial validated their protective role in age-related macular degeneration.
Copper
Essential trace mineral included in AREDS2 formula specifically to prevent copper deficiency from high-dose zinc. Most people get adequate copper from diet and shouldn't supplement alone.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the classic antioxidant vitamin, essential for collagen synthesis and immune function. It's a proven component of the AREDS2 formula that slows age-related macular degeneration progression. Despite popular beliefs, megadose benefits for most conditions remain unproven.
Vitamin E
Fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential for cell membrane protection. Part of the proven AREDS2 eye formula, but the SELECT trial revealed concerning prostate cancer risks at high doses (400 IU daily). Mixed tocopherols may offer better safety than isolated alpha-tocopherol.
Zinc
Essential trace mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. Zinc deficiency is linked to tinnitus in multiple studies. Also critical for immune function, wound healing, and retinal health.
Algal DHA/EPA
Plant-based DHA and EPA sourced directly from microalgae — the same source fish get their omega-3s from. Offers all the cardiovascular and brain benefits of fish oil without the fishy taste, ocean contaminants, or environmental concerns.
Fish oil
The most extensively studied supplement, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that the body cannot produce. Proven cardiovascular benefits with strong evidence for triglyceride reduction and heart disease prevention.
Saffron
The world's most expensive spice by weight, with surprisingly robust clinical evidence for depression and emerging promise for macular degeneration. Multiple well-designed RCTs show antidepressant effects comparable to prescription medications.
Astaxanthin
Potent carotenoid antioxidant from microalgae that gives salmon their pink color and crosses both blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers. Estimated to be thousands of times stronger than vitamin C in certain antioxidant assays.
Beta-carotene
Orange-colored carotenoid that converts to vitamin A as needed, making it safer than preformed vitamin A supplements. Originally included in the AREDS eye formula but removed from AREDS2 after studies showed increased lung cancer risk in smokers and asbestos-exposed workers.
Vitamin A
Essential fat-soluble vitamin critical for vision, immune function, and cellular development. Available as toxic preformed retinol or safer beta-carotene provitamin A. While vital for eye health, high-dose retinol supplements pose serious toxicity risks including liver damage and birth defects.
Bilberry
European blueberry relative containing concentrated anthocyanins that became famous for supposedly improving RAF pilot night vision during WWII. While that story is mostly myth, bilberry does have modest evidence for general eye health and retinal function.
Citicoline
Naturally occurring brain compound that uniquely provides both choline and cytidine, supporting cell membrane synthesis and neurotransmitter production. One of the better-studied nootropics with solid clinical evidence for cognitive function and stroke recovery.
Selenium
Essential trace mineral that powers antioxidant enzymes and thyroid function. Critical for glutathione production, but has a narrow therapeutic window — too little or too much both cause problems.
How to read the scores
Relevance badges
HighDirectly studied for this condition
ModeratePlausible mechanism
LowWeak or indirect
Evidence & onset bars
Strong evidence / fast onset
Emerging / limited
Insufficient data
Safety strip
No significant concerns
Worth noting
Significant concern
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Beyond supplements
There are other evidence-based interventions studied for macular degeneration:
- Anti-VEGF injections Standard of care for wet AMD. Dramatically changed outcomes for neovascular disease.
- Smoking cessation Smoking doubles AMD risk. Cessation is the single most impactful modifiable factor.