Synopsis

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

Vitamin E (including forms such as alpha-tocopheryl succinate) has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The primary scientific basis comes from large clinical trials, most notably the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2, sponsored by the National Eye Institute. In these studies, a formulation containing high doses of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene) and zinc was evaluated for its efficacy in reducing the risk of progression to advanced AMD in individuals with moderate to severe disease. Vitamin E was included in the AREDS formulation at a dose of 400 IU per day.

Results from AREDS demonstrated a modest but statistically significant reduction in the risk of progression to advanced AMD among participants using the antioxidant and zinc combination compared to placebo. However, subsequent research, including the AREDS2 trial, suggested that the effect of Vitamin E alone is not well-established, and its benefit appears to rely on being part of a broader antioxidant complex. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Vitamin E by itself for AMD prevention or treatment. The role of alpha-tocopheryl succinate specifically has not been distinguished from other forms of Vitamin E in these studies.

In summary, the use of Vitamin E in combination with other antioxidants has some scientific validation for slowing AMD progression in specific populations, but the evidence for Vitamin E alone is weak (rated 2/5). It is not recommended as a stand-alone treatment.

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