Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin E (natural tocopherols) has been investigated for its potential role in supporting eye health, particularly in relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. The interest stems from its antioxidant properties, which could theoretically help protect eye cells from oxidative damage, a factor implicated in the development of certain eye diseases.

The most significant scientific study regarding Vitamin E and eye health is the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) sponsored by the National Eye Institute. In AREDS, high-dose antioxidant supplementation, including Vitamin E (400 IU), Vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper, was shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD in people at high risk. However, the effect cannot be attributed to Vitamin E alone, as the benefit was seen with the combination of antioxidants and minerals. Subsequent studies, such as AREDS2, replaced beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin, but still included Vitamin E, and found similar protective effects for AMD progression. For cataracts, evidence is less compelling; most large studies and meta-analyses have not shown a significant protective benefit from Vitamin E supplementation.

In summary, while Vitamin E is included in multi-nutrient formulas with some demonstrated benefit for slowing AMD progression, its independent role is unclear, and evidence supporting its use for other eye problems is limited. Current recommendations are based on the evidence for combined antioxidant use, not Vitamin E alone.

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