Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
For the health condition: Eye Problems
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) has been studied for its potential role in supporting eye health, particularly in the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. The rationale is based on Vitamin E's antioxidant properties, which may help protect eye cells from oxidative damage—a contributing factor in these conditions. The most significant scientific investigation is the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a large, randomized, controlled trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute. In the AREDS formulation, Vitamin E was included alongside other antioxidants (Vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper). The study found that this specific combination slowed progression to advanced AMD in individuals at high risk, but Vitamin E alone was not tested in isolation. Subsequent research, including the AREDS2 trial, modified the original formula (replacing beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin) but continued to include Vitamin E. However, separate trials and meta-analyses investigating Vitamin E alone or in other combinations have not shown strong, consistent evidence for its efficacy in either preventing or treating eye diseases. There is also no robust evidence supporting Vitamin E supplementation for cataract prevention. In summary, the current scientific evidence suggests that Vitamin E may play a supportive role as part of a multi-nutrient antioxidant formulation for certain eye conditions, but its benefit as a standalone supplement for eye health is limited. Thus, the evidence rating is moderate but not strong.
More about Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
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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
Little ironweed
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
Age SpotsAging (prevention)
Alzheimer's Disease
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Breast Lumps
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cuts
Dementia
Dermatitis
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye Problems
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Macular Degeneration