Vitamin E supplementation and macular degeneration: randomised controlled trial |
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Authors: | Hugh R Taylor Gabriella Tikellis Luba D Robman Catherine A McCarty John J McNeil |
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Institution: | aCentre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Locked Bag 8, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 8002, bDepartment of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Room 306, Building ALF, Alfred Hospital, Caulfield, Victoria, Australia, 3145 |
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Abstract: | ObjectiveTo determine whether vitamin E supplementation influences the incidence or rate of progression of age related maculopathy (AMD).DesignProspective randomised placebo controlled clinical trial.SettingAn urban study centre in a residential area supervised by university research staff.Participants1193 healthy volunteers aged between 55 and 80 years; 73% completed the trial on full protocol.InterventionsVitamin E 500 IU or placebo daily for four years.ResultsThe incidence of early age related macular degeneration (early AMD 3) was 8.6% in those receiving vitamin E versus 8.1% in those on placebo (relative risk 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.61). For late disease the incidence was 0.8% versus 0.6% (1.36, 0.67 to 2.77). Further analysis showed no consistent differences in secondary outcomes.ConclusionDaily supplement with vitamin E supplement does not prevent the development or progression of early or later stages of age related macular degeneration. What is already known on this topicAge related macular degeneration is the leading cause of loss of vision and blindness in elderly people; for people aged ⩾90 years, two out of every three will be affected and one in four will become blindCurrently, there are no methods of prevention or treatment in most cases, though a third of cases are due to cigarette smokingAntioxidant vitamins have been suggested as a possible preventionWhat this study addsDaily supplementation with 500 mg vitamin E for four years did not alter the incidence or progression of AMD |
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