Efficacy of different nutrients in age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has become a predominant global health concern. The visual function of individuals with AMD seems to improve with dietary antioxidants. We assessed the efficacy of different antioxidants (carotenoids, zinc, vitamin E, and multivitamin) on visual function and the incidence of developing late AMD.

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for related published studies. We considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different nutrients. The main outcomes measurements included changes in visual acuity (VA), and the rate of developing late AMD. The network meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020171288).

We identified 13 studies, including 85321 individuals randomly assigned to different nutrients or placebo groups. In the network meta-analysis, we found that there was more risk of progression to late AMD in the multivitamin group than carotenoids and vitamin E groups (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.65; RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.79; RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.67). The nutrients of zinc and carotenoids (Lutein/Zeaxanthin) ranked first and second and showed better improvement in VA. The efficacy of carotenoids (β-carotene) ranked first for delaying the progress of AMD among all of the four treatments.

Taking multivitamin supplementation may not prevent the development of late AMD. The nutrient of zinc and carotenoids (lutein/zeaxanthin) supplementation were associated with better improvement in VA. Carotenoids (β-carotene) were the most likely to prevent the progression of late AMD.