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Vitamins Lower Risk of Vision Loss: Study

B vitamins, folic acid shown to decrease macular degeneration

By Erin Mendell,  Newser User

Posted Feb 24, 2009 4:03 PM CST

(Newser) – Folic acid and two B vitamins lowered the risk of vision loss in middle-age women who took the supplements for several years as part of a study, the Boston Globe reports. The study by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that the combination lowered the chances of age-related macular degeneration by 35-40%.

“Other than avoiding cigarette smoking, this would be the first identified means to reduce the risk of early age-related macular degeneration,” said a retina specialist who was not involved in the study. The doctor said further research based on the general population would have to confirm the findings.

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in older Americans.
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in older Americans.   (Shutterstock)
The macula is a portion of the retina.
The macula is a portion of the retina.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Feb 25, 2009 6:23 AM CST
This just in, drinking bacon grease out of an asbestos cup leads to possible health issues.
Guest
Feb 25, 2009 6:11 AM CST
haven't we known for years that vitamins are good for you?

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