The use of nutrition supplements, to prevent the onset and progression of age-related vision loss, has been supported by recent research into the lines between antioxidant vitamins and minerals and healthy vision. Antioxidants can help neutralize potentially damaging free radicals that trigger aging of the body generally, and aging of the eyes in particular. These nutrition supplements can be beneficial to sufferers of two common eye diseases, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. It is wise, however, to take the following precautions in relation to supplements: If you have a medical condition and are taking prescription drugs, always consult a healthcare provider prior to taking supplements to protect your vision. At the same time, make sure you inform a doctor of any supplements you are already taking; supplements and drugs can adversely affect each other.Let's look at two powerful antioxidants, Vitamins E and C, and fish oil capsules which are specifically recommended as eye care supplements. Vitamin E, like gingko biloba, has anticoagulant properties, and therefore people with high blood pressure or vascular disorders need to be careful when taking it. This group of patients are routinely prescribed the blood-thinning agents warfarin and aspirin. If the dosage of Vitamin E they take as an eye supplement is not increased under the watchful eye of a healthcare practitioner, they are very likely to find their condition exacerbated. Similarly, large doses of Vitamin C, associated with reduced risk of cataract development, are not without their dangers. Large intakes of Vitamin C can alter the results of blood and urine tests, and may mask blood in stools that can indicate bowel cancer, so first inform your health-care provider. Diabetics, who inject with insulin, should also be aware that vitamin C in the urine can lead to inaccurate sugar results. Fish oils contain the essential omega-3 fatty acid and its derivatives EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA help to lower blood fats and thin the blood, and are crucial for the correct development of a growing child's eyesight.It is essential to avoid excessive intakes of Vitamins A and D found in fish oils. Consult a healthcare provider before taking fish oils if you already take blood-thinning drugs. EPA and DHA should be avoided by aspirin-sensitive asthmatics. It is never wise to exceed the recommended doses stated on the bottle or packet of a nutrition supplement. While a small additional amount of a vitamin or mineral is generally harmless, too much of any one supplement can cause health problems.Zinc is recommended as part of a nutrition package for healthy vision as it is involved in keeping sight (along with smell and taste) in good working order. Daily intakes in excess of 50mg over a long period can, however, interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron and copper. As copper is needed to convert iron into haemoglobin in the blood, you could be at risk of developing anaemia and its attendant symptoms of fatigue and increased vulnerability to infections. Selenium is another trace element and antioxidant which should be treated with caution. Although the margin of safety between the required level and the toxic level is wide for some nutrients, it is quite narrow for selenium. It is not advisable to take more than 200mg daily. Any intake above this can result in dry, brittle hair or hair loss, nail loss, bad breath and impairment of the nervous system. Carotenoids, the pigments that give vegetables and fruit their rich colors, are generally considered very beneficial to eye health. Several clinical trials have linked beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin nutrition supplements with the prevention of age-related macular degeneration. Although beta-carotene converts into Vitamin A in the body, and taking the vitamin itself can cause toxicity in the body, the same is not true of the carotenoids. However, heavy smokers may be at increased risk of lung cancer with high doses of beta-carotene supplements as are people with kidney or liver disease. These conditions may cause high blood levels of beta-carotene which, in turn, may increase the likelihood of side effects, including yellowing of the hands or soles of the feet and, rarely, the face. Be wary of unfounded medical claims for nutrition supplements. As the above contraindications highlight, taking more than the recommended dose as an added insurance to protect your vision, is not recommended.Children, adolescents, older or chronically ill people, and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not generally use high-potency supplements except under responsible medical supervision.Finally, having checked that you are a suitable candidate for taking nutrition supplements to promote healthier vision, and that you are taking them at optimal, but not excessive, levels, put your day's supplements together in a container and take them as part of a daily routine. The key to getting any benefit from your supplements is to take them on a regular basis and to feel comfortable with your program. Over time you could well see the difference! |
