Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a strong antioxidant vitamin. Latest studies reveal that vitamin C can diminish the threat of cataracts, glaucoma and AMD. Vitamin C is present in all cells of the body, but is highly concentrated in the lens of the eye. The body also needs Vitamin C at the point where the muscles that cause eye movement connect with the sclera, or the white portion of the eye. Citrus fruits, berries, potatoes and green, leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin C.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, protects cell membranes against free radical attack. Studies have consistently found that higher vitamin E intakes or blood levels may improve one's chance of prolonging lens and improving macular health with advancing age. Vitamin E has also been shown to boost immune function in older individuals. Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oil, nuts, wheat germ, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc is hypothesized to play a role in the development of AMD for several reasons:

1) Zinc is found in high concentrations in the part of the retina affected by AMD
2) retinal zinc content has been shown to decline with age
3) the activity of some zinc-dependent retinal enzymes has been shown to decline with age.

Zinc was found to be effective in the AREDS clinical trial.

Too much Zinc can lead to a copper deficiency. Copper was added to the AREDS formulation containing zinc to prevent copper deficiency anemia.

Selenium, a powerful antioxidant mineral that is involved in the body’s production of glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase is another protective enzyme found in the eye and in other parts of the body. For foods rich in selenium, try garlic, onions, mushrooms, cabbage, grains and fish.

B6 is a water soluble vitamin and is a member of the Vitamin B complex. Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is essential in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Pyridoxine is also used in the production of red blood cells. Pyridoxine can be found in many foods. Some of the foods that contain it are: liver, meat, brown rice, fish, butter, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, and soybeans.

Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin from the B-complex of vitamins and is the most common deficiency amongst the B-complex. Because it is water-soluble the body cannot store it but instead excretes any excess from the body making sufficient daily intake necessary. Folic acid along with Vitamins B6 and B12 helps break down homocysteine, an amino acid. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been associated as a risk factor for strokes, heart disease and osteoporosis. Research also seems to indicate that folic acid may benefit in the prevention of AMD.

Lutein and its related compound zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, providing a yellow color known as the macular pigment. Lutein and zeaxanthin are compounds called xanthophylls, which are carotenoids related to beta-carotene that gives vegetables like carrots their orange color. Lutein and zeaxanthin add yellow pigment to plants and can be found in the flesh of colorful fruits and vegetables and in the leaves.

Lutein and zeaxanthin protect against light damage by being very efficient absorbers of blue light, which has the most energy in the visible spectrum and is the most damaging. You could think of them as sun block for the macula. They are also good anti-oxidants and scavenge reactive oxygen molecules like the antioxidant vitamins.

Lutein and its related compound zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, providing a yellow color known as the macular pigment. Lutein and zeaxanthin are compounds called xanthophylls, which are carotenoids related to beta-carotene that gives vegetables like carrots their orange color. Lutein and zeaxanthin add yellow pigment to plants and can be found in the flesh of colorful fruits and vegetables and in the leaves.

Lutein and zeaxanthin protect against light damage by being very efficient absorbers of blue light, which has the most energy in the visible spectrum and is the most damaging. You could think of them as sun block for the macula. They are also good anti-oxidants and scavenge reactive oxygen molecules like the antioxidant vitamins.

Omega 3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids are mainly found in fish and nuts. They have anti-inflammatory properties and may be anti-angiogenic, which may mean that they protect against the formation of the new blood vessels found in the wet form of AMD. A number of studies have found a reduced risk of AMD in patients who have diets rich in omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The National Eye Institute’s AREDS 2 trial will also test if supplementation with omega 3 poly-unsaturated fats reduces the progression of AMD.

Bilberry contains anthocyanosides which are potent anti-oxidents which strengthen capillary walls, improve red blood cells and have cholesterol lowering effects. The herb is also a vasodialator that opens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. It is used to treat age related eye problems including night blindness and macular degeneration. Scientific studies have shown improvement in the eyesight, circulation and atherosclerosis. It is also used to treat cataracts and glaucoma.

Oxidative stress is increased in the retina in AMD, and it is considered to play an important role in the progression of the disease. . Alpha Lipoic acid, a thiol antioxidant, has been shown to have beneficial effects on polyneuropathy and on the parameters of oxidative stress in various tissues, including nerve, kidney, and retina. Red meat is the richest food source of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which has been called the “universal,” “ideal,” and “ultimate” antioxidant.

Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant, classified as one of the bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids derived from plants are readily assimilated into our body when consumed. Bioflavonoids have the ability to strengthen blood vessel walls within a short time after ingesting them.

L-Glutathione is a powerful anti-oxidant shown to protect the sulfur-containing proteins within the eye lens from free radical damage which clouds the lens and inhibits light from entering; researchers have found that macular degeneration is correlated to low glutathione levels within the body.