Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for age-related macular degeneration

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#antioxidants #dietary-supplements #humans #macular-degeneration #minerals

Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for age-related macular degeneration

Evans et al., 2000 | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Evans J R. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for age-related macular degeneration. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000(2):CD000254

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that antioxidants may prevent cellular damage in the retina by reacting with free radicals produced in the process of light absorption. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to assess the effects of antioxidant vitamin and/or mineral supplementation on the progression of age-related macular degeneration. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group specialised registered, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register - Central, MEDLINE, the Science Citation Index, and the reference lists of relevant articles were searched. Investigators of included studies were contacted. The most recent searches were performed in December 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised trials comparing an antioxidant vitamin and/or mineral supplement (alone or in combination) to control in people with age-related macular degeneration were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The reviewer extracted data and assessed trial quality. Due to the small number of trials identified, and variable methods of collecting and presenting outcome data, no statistical summary measure was calculated. MAIN RESULTS: Four published, two unpublished and two ongoing trials were identified. Published trials to date have been small and results inconsistent. Adverse effects and quality of life for people with age-related macular degeneration have not been addressed. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The question as to whether people with age-related macular degeneration should take antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplements to prevent progression of the disease has not been answered by research to date. The results of ongoing trials are awaited.

Key Findings

Four published, two unpublished and two ongoing trials were identified. Published trials to date have been small and results inconsistent. Adverse effects and quality of life for people with age-related macular degeneration have not been addressed. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The question as to whether people with age-related macular degeneration should take antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplements to prevent progression of the disease has not been answered by research to date. The results of ongo

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Minerals
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: cochrane-supplements

Provenance

  • PMID: 10796708
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09