Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E
For the body system: Eyes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin E has been studied for its potential role in supporting eye health, particularly in relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage, which is thought to contribute to retinal degeneration and other ocular diseases. Several large clinical trials, most notably the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS and AREDS2) conducted by the National Eye Institute, investigated the effects of vitamin E in combination with other antioxidants (vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper) on the progression of AMD. These studies found that while the antioxidant combination could slow the progression of intermediate to advanced AMD, vitamin E alone did not show significant benefit in preventing or treating eye diseases. Furthermore, evidence for vitamin E's role in preventing cataracts is inconsistent, with most randomized trials failing to demonstrate a substantial protective effect.

Overall, vitamin E is included in some eye health supplements based on its antioxidant properties and its role in the AREDS formulations. However, its effectiveness as a standalone intervention for eye health is only moderately supported by scientific evidence. Most expert guidelines recommend the AREDS2 formula for those at risk of AMD, rather than vitamin E alone. There is little evidence supporting its use for general eye health or for prevention in healthy populations.

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