Micronutrients in age-related macular degeneration.

Several lines of evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that specific micronutrients may have beneficial effects in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Such effects appear to be complex and may include filtering short wavelength light and attenuating oxidative and inflammatory damage as well as other structural and physiological factors. There is clinical evidence for potential benefits from vitamin C, β-carotene, vitamin E and zinc, as well as emerging epidemiological and clinical data for the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and for omega-3 fatty acids. A survey of the literature suggests that some specific micronutrients may be of value in treating or preventing AMD, but further prospective studies are needed to further identify and characterize their effects and place in therapy.