Evidence-based vitamin supplements for age-related macular degeneration: an analysis of available products

A wide range of supplements are available for age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, clinicians may not be aware of which supplements contain an evidence-based formula.

Vitamin and antioxidant supplementation has been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of AMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS) group reported an evidence-based formula in the AREDS 2 trials. Commercially available products carry varying degrees of resemblance to this formula.

A review of commercially available supplements in pharmacies and websites across Australasia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada was undertaken. Supplements containing all the ingredients of the AREDS 2 recipe were included. The dose, formulation, and cost of the supplements were reviewed.

Sixty-six products were reviewed. Forty-three products contained all the AREDS 2 ingredients and were therefore included for analysis. Twenty products contained all ingredients at 100% or more of the recommended dose, and 23 products contained some ingredients at a lower dose. The cost of the products varied from Australian dollar (AUD) $0.12 to AUD $6.72 per day. Seven (35%) products were available online only and 13 (65%) products were available both online and in pharmacies. Eight products were available in the United States pharmacies, five products were available in Canadian pharmacies, three products were available in the United Kingdom pharmacies, and one product was available in Australasian pharmacies.

Commercially available AMD supplements vary widely in price and resemblance to the AREDS 2 formulation. Clinician awareness of this information is important when counselling patients on which supplement is most suitable. The categorisation of products in Table 1 may assist with patient counselling of vitamin supplementation for AMD.