E Cheraskin1. 1. School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies have been published about the probable causes of age-related macular degeneration, arresting or preventing the disease continues to be an elusive goal. METHODS: The professional literature is reviewed to provide an overview of the relationship of the antioxidants to disorders such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cataracts and macular degeneration. RESULTS: Diseases associated with aging appear to have a common denominator: oxidative damage. Antioxidants have been extensively studied to determine if they can prevent or successfully treat these diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Larger-than-recommended amounts of antioxidants need to be used earlier in life, for longer periods of time, to determine their effectiveness in arresting or preventing diseases of aging.
BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies have been published about the probable causes of age-related macular degeneration, arresting or preventing the disease continues to be an elusive goal. METHODS: The professional literature is reviewed to provide an overview of the relationship of the antioxidants to disorders such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cataracts and macular degeneration. RESULTS: Diseases associated with aging appear to have a common denominator: oxidative damage. Antioxidants have been extensively studied to determine if they can prevent or successfully treat these diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Larger-than-recommended amounts of antioxidants need to be used earlier in life, for longer periods of time, to determine their effectiveness in arresting or preventing diseases of aging.