Q I’m 66 and have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and am panicking about possibly losing my sight. I’ve been told to eat rainbow-coloured veggies and fruit, but are there any supplements that will help?
A Several readers have asked about this common condition, which affects more than 600,000 people in the UK and is the biggest cause of vision loss.
If you have early-stage dry AMD, a study of 121 patients by the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland offers hope. While it is vital to eat different coloured vegetables and fruit daily, this ongoing research shows that taking a supplement with three carotenoids – antioxidants that make up the yellow pigment in the macula – can improve vision in early AMD.
Several readers have asked about macular degeneration (AMD), which affects more than 600,000 people in the UK and is the biggest cause of vision loss
The first group in the trial was given a formula with two carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein) plus minerals; the second had the same formula with a third carotenoid called meso-zeaxanthin. Over the two-year trial, patients’ vision would have been expected to get worse, but 40 per cent of them had a clinically meaningful improvement, with the biggest benefit seen in the second group.
Professor John Nolan, who led the study, does not claim that the formula is a magic bullet to cure AMD ‘because it’s such a multifaceted disease. Nutrition can have a significant impact,’ he says. ‘The supplement used in the trial [Macushield Gold, £21.99 for 30-day pack, victoriahealth.com] contains ten times more eye carotenoids than a typical diet, including meso-zeaxanthin, the most important one, which is difficult to get from your diet. Also, 12 per cent of the population cannot make meso-zeaxanthin.’
Professor Nolan is campaigning for eye health professionals to inform patients of the findings and also for the product to be available free of charge to patients with early AMD.
While it is vital to eat different coloured vegetables and fruit daily, ongoing research shows that taking a supplement with three carotenoids can improve vision in early AMD
INDIAN OCEAN 2018
In June, a four-man crew will row nonstop for 3,600 miles across the Indian Ocean to raise funds for charities supporting Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease, which is diagnosed in people under the age of 50. Symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, muscle stiffness and pain.
In June, a four-man crew will row nonstop for 3,600 miles across the Indian Ocean to raise funds for charities supporting Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease
Without any assistance, they will face challenges of bad weather, extreme weight loss and exhaustion. Despite the physical and mental pressures, Parkinson’s sufferer Robin Buttery, 46, volunteered to be a crew member. Researchers at Oxford Brookes University will monitor his body’s reactions to investigate the cause of the disease and hopefully lead to better treatment.
For more information and/or to donate, visit rowtheindianocean.com.
Book of the week
Breaking Upwards: How to Manage the Emotional Impact of Separation
by Charlotte Friedman (Short Books, £8.99*)
Former barrister Charlotte Friedman trained as a psychotherapist to help couples manage the emotional fallout of separation and divorce. This clear, thoughtful book, which leads readers through the practical, legal and psychological consequences of shattered relationships, should be prescribed for each partner in any breakup.
*To order a copyfor £7.19 (a 20 per cent discount) until 11 MARCH, visit you-bookshop.co.uk or call 0844 571 0640; p&p is free on orders over £15
Email your questions to sarah@sarahstacey.com