Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among older individuals. About 1.75 million Americans suffer from advanced AMD and another 7.3 million show early signs of this condition. Recent research has shown a direct link between blood homocysteine levels and the risk of AMD. This has led researchers to examine whether supplementation with B-vitamins, which have been shown to lower homocysteine levels, could help to prevent the development of AMD.
5205 women were included in the study, which lasted an average of 7.3 years. Women in the study were 40 years of age or older and did not demonstrate AMD at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a combination of B-vitamins including 2.5mg folic acid, 50mg vitamin B6 and 1mg vitamin B12 per day.
Throughout the duration of the study a total of 137 cases of AMD were documented, with 55 being from the B-vitamin treatment group and 82 from the placebo group. Of these, there were 26 cases of visually significant AMD in the treatment group and 44 in the placebo group. All in all, supplementation with B-vitamins was associated with a significant 35-40% decrease in the risk of AMD. The authors report that this beneficial effect began approximately 2 years into the study and persisted through the rest of the trial.
The authors also examined homocysteine levels among a subset of the women, and found that levels were 18.5% lower in the B-vitamin group. This supports the hypothesis that intake of B-vitamins is associated with reduced homocysteine levels, which in turn reduces the risk of AMD. These results are significant in that they present a possible means for the general population to help reduce their risk of future vision loss from AMD.
Christen WG, Glynn RJ, Chew EY, Albert CM, Manson JE. Folic acid, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin combination treatment of age-related macular degeneration in women. Arch Intern Med. 2009. 169(4): 335-341.
For more information see Advanced B Complex |
