Eating for 20/20 Vision

The Rotterdam Study, which tracked more than 5800 healthy people over a period of 10 years, found that high dietary intakes of vitamin E and zinc, in particular, protected against AMD.

People with above-average intakes of a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, betacarotene and zinc also had a 35 per cent lower risk of AMD.

Previous studies have highlighted a protective role for other carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, omega 3s and monounsaturated fats.

Smoking is linked with a four times higher risk of AMD!

Food or pills?

Foods high in these nutrients seem to be more important than taking nutritional supplements. Although one major study has shown that high-dose supplements may also be effective, there is concern as to their long-term safety.

Feast for the eyes

Choose a range of colourful plant foods to obtain high levels of a mix of antioxidants, which get concentrated in the tissues of the eye protecting it from oxidative stress that causes damage.

As dietary antioxidants appear to exert their strongest effects if taken early, teach your children to enjoy these foods for life!