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Evaluation of dietary antioxidant levels and supplementation with ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite
M S Kaminski1, D P Yolton, W T Jordan
1Pacific University, College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR 97116.
Background:
Oxidative damage caused by free radicals has been implicated in the development of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Recent studies suggest that antioxidant vitamins and minerals can be useful for the management and/or prevention of this condition.
Methods:
To assess the normal dietary intake of the antioxidants, 28 healthy subjects 55 years of age and over completed a diet survey. Then two over-the-counter (OTC) nutritional supplements that make claims about the antioxidant nutrients they contain (ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite) were evaluated with respect to their ability to raise blood levels of two important antioxidant nutrients: zinc and beta-carotene.
Results:
Based on the diet survey, 26 of the 28 subjects were found to have deficient intakes; zinc and selenium were the most commonly deficient nutrients. Following a 2-week administration period, both ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite significantly raised mean serum zinc levels 24.7 percent and 18 percent respectively; ICAPS-Plus significantly raised mean beta-carotene levels by 21.4 percent, but Ocuvite did not change the mean level significantly.
Conclusions:
Based on the probable relationship between antioxidant levels and diseases such as ARMD, these results suggest that OTC supplements might be useful for selected patients.