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A nutritional supplement potentially effective against age-linked macular deterioration

Scientists have long been seeking a remedy for age-related macular degeneration, a condition for which there currently is no drug-based cure. However, supplements such as the AREDS formulations can slow down its advancement, though they cannot prevent its initial onset. Now, melatonin is being...

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Scientists have persistently worked towards a drug-based treatment for age-related macular...
Scientists have persistently worked towards a drug-based treatment for age-related macular degeneration, yet no such cure has been discovered thus far. However, supplements like the AREDS formulations can hinder its progression, unfortunately, they do not prevent its initial onset. Here's where melatonin comes into play...

A nutritional supplement potentially effective against age-linked macular deterioration

Every night, my spouse and I consume melatonin, initially for sleep purposes. However, as we delved deeper into its health benefits, we grew more confident about incorporating it into our daily routine.

Produced naturally by the brain in response to darkness, melatonin is closely associated with the sleep cycle. Among its myriad benefits, it is a potent immune system booster that safeguards the lungs and reduces inflammation. It also exhibits anticancer properties and offers protection against cognitive decline. Moreover, people who suffer from migraines may find relief with this supplement.

The growing list of conditions potentially aided by melatonin includes age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—a vision impairment affecting an estimated 11 million people in the U.S. alone.

Potential AMD Prevention with Melatonin

More than two-thirds of the population struggle with issues related to blurred vision, eye fatigue, and dry, irritated eyes. The number of people anticipated to develop AMD and cataracts is expected to almost double by 2050. The cause of this deterioration in vision is not yet fully understood.

While there is still no drug available to treat AMD, promising advancements have emerged in the realm of supplements:

  • The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) revealed a formulation of nutrients, including vitamins C, E, copper, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin or beta-carotene, can slow AMD progression significantly from moderate to late disease stages. However, this formulation does not prevent the onset of AMD.

Now, melatonin appears to play a crucial role in AMD prevention:

  • Prior research indicates individuals who take melatonin supplements may have a lower risk of developing AMD.
  • One team of researchers discovered higher melatonin levels can forestall AMD-related retinal damage.
  • Another group found patients with AMD had lower-than-average amounts of melatonin in their blood and tears.

In a recent study, scientists analyzed the medical records of 200,000 people aged 50 or older from 2008 to 2023 to ascertain if a strong link between melatonin consumption and AMD prevention was apparent. The results showed that a significant number of participants with no evidence of AMD were regular users of melatonin supplements. Furthermore, patients who began taking melatonin after developing AMD experienced a slower degeneration than those who did not use the supplements.

Melatonin and Vision Protection

While the study did not establish an ideal dosage for potential AMD prevention, for sleep purposes, the common dose ranges from one to five milligrams, with the highest recommended dose being 10 milligrams. The optimal time to consume melatonin is in the evening, to minimize interference with the body's internal clock.

In addition to incorporating melatonin into your daily routine, other measures can help protect your vision from AMD:

  • Fruit-Rich Diet: A study found that daily consumption of five ounces of fruit or more reduces the risk of AMD by 15 percent.
  • Caffeine Consumption: Another study concluded that individuals who consume around 75 mg of caffeine per day (equivalent to one shot of espresso) are less likely to develop AMD.
  • AREDS-Approved Eye Vitamins: Powerful antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, along with minerals zinc and copper, support eye health.

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[Sources: More evidence indicating regular consumption of melatonin may decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration - Medical Xpress; Melatonin and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration - JAMA Ophthalmology]

  1. Uncovering potential benefits beyond sleep, melatonin supplements have shown promise in the field of health and wellness, particularly regarding inflammation and eye health.
  2. Intriguingly, certain studies suggest that regular melatonin consumption may lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a vision impairment affecting millions.
  3. Further evidence suggests higher melatonin levels can forestall AMD-related retinal damage and that AMD patients often have lower-than-average amounts of melatonin.
  4. To protect eye health, one may consider incorporating melatonin supplements into their diet, paired with a fruit-rich diet, moderate caffeine consumption, and AREDS-approved eye vitamins.

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