Vitamin E supplementation and macular degeneration: randomised controlled trial

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#aged #aged-80-and-over #antioxidants #disease-progression #follow-up-studies

Vitamin E supplementation and macular degeneration: randomised controlled trial

Taylor et al., 2002 | BMJ | Rct

Citation

Taylor Hugh R, Tikellis Gabriella, ... McNeil John J. Vitamin E supplementation and macular degeneration: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2002-Jul-06;325(7354):11

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether vitamin E supplementation influences the incidence or rate of progression of age related maculopathy (AMD). DESIGN: Prospective randomised placebo controlled clinical trial. SETTING: An urban study centre in a residential area supervised by university research staff. PARTICIPANTS: 1193 healthy volunteers aged between 55 and 80 years; 73% completed the trial on full protocol. INTERVENTIONS: Vitamin E 500 IU or placebo daily for four years. PRIMARY OUTCOME: development of early age related macular degeneration in retinal photographs. Other measures included alternative definitions of age related macular degeneration, progression, changes in component features, visual acuity, and visual function RESULTS: The incidence of early age related macular degeneration (early AMD 3) was 8.6% in those receiving vitamin E versus 8.1% in those on placebo (relative risk 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.61). For late disease the incidence was 0.8% versus 0.6% (1.36, 0.67 to 2.77). Further analysis showed no consistent differences in secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Daily supplement with vitamin E supplement does not prevent the development or progression of early or later stages of age related macular degeneration.

Key Findings

The incidence of early age related macular degeneration (early AMD 3) was 8.6% in those receiving vitamin E versus 8.1% in those on placebo (relative risk 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.61). For late disease the incidence was 0.8% versus 0.6% (1.36, 0.67 to 2.77). Further analysis showed no consistent differences in secondary outcomes.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antioxidants
  • Disease Progression
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Victoria
  • Vitamin E

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: vitamin-e-eye

Provenance

  • PMID: 12098721
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: PMC116664
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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