Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E (beta tocopherol)
For the health condition: Eye Problems
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin E, including beta-tocopherol, has been studied for its potential role in supporting eye health, particularly in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. The scientific basis for its use stems from Vitamin E's antioxidant properties, which theoretically could protect retinal cells from oxidative damage implicated in these conditions. Large-scale clinical trials, such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), investigated the effects of antioxidant supplementation (including vitamin E, but not specifically beta-tocopherol alone) on the progression of AMD. Results indicated a modest reduction in the risk of progression to advanced AMD when vitamin E was combined with other antioxidants and zinc, but vitamin E alone did not show a significant effect. There is less evidence supporting vitamin E for prevention or treatment of cataracts, with studies generally showing no clear benefit. Thus, while Vitamin E is sometimes recommended as part of multi-antioxidant formulations for certain eye conditions, the evidence supporting its use as a standalone treatment is limited. Most scientific reviews agree that supplementation is not broadly effective for preventing or treating common eye diseases unless there is a deficiency.
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Other ingredients used for Eye Problems
alpha-caroteneanthocyanins
berry flavor
beta-carotene
bilberry
blueberry
carrot
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
turmeric
fennel
flavonols
goldenseal
green tea
hypromellose
Japanese sophora
lutein
mango
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
rutin
selenium
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
zeaxanthin
zinc
chickweed
nut grass
boxthorne
chrysanthemum
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
Avens
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
Bai Ji
beta-zeacarotene
berry
Bioflavonoids
Bassia scoparia
Carotene (unspecified)
Carthamus
Epidermal Growth Factor
Eyebright
Flavonoids
Flavoglycosides
fibroblast growth factor
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Little ironweed
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin E (beta tocopherol)
Age SpotsAging (prevention)
Alzheimer's Disease
Arteriosclerosis
Eczema
Eye Problems
Free Radical Damage
Inflammation
Macular Degeneration
Menopause