In a study involving women with cardiovascular disease, researchers may have found an association between certain vitamins and the development of macular degeneration. Researchers compared B complex vitamins and folic acid against placedbo in a large group of patients with cardiovascular disease. Their findings, as reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine, indicated a lower chance of developing macular degeneration along with lower blood levels of an amino acid homocysteine. Supplements were given, on average, daily for over 7 years.
What does this mean for you? This may be a significant finding, or association, where macular degeneration seems to decreased when taking certain supplements. There are too many variables to come to this conclusion. First, the group studied is biased, or rather, it is not a random group of people. There is bias toward sex (female) and systemic health (cardiovascular disease). Second, the study found lower blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Increased levels of homocysteine are seen in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. Folic acid, pyridoxine (B6) and cyanocobalamin (B12) lower serum levels of homocysteine. The study was not able to determine whether or not the lower homocysteine levels in the blood caused the decrease in macular degeneration.
Article: Arch Intern Med. 2009;169:335-341.
Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Retina Specialist, Ophthalmologist
www.TotalRetina.com
One reply on “Folic Acid and B Vitamins May Reduce Risk of Macular Degeneration”
just to be that guy …. and to be the first to comment… and so that you know I am actually reading these. I think you should rewrite that first sentence, study twice is kinda awkward
Actually I really like this so far, keep up the good work. Now back to reading