Recent Blog Articles
Can long COVID affect the gut?
When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?
Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights
Slowing down racing thoughts
Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?
3 ways to create community and counter loneliness
Helping children make friends: What parents can do
Can electrical brain stimulation boost attention, memory, and more?
Palliative care frightens some people: Here’s how it helps
Parents don't always realize that their teen is suicidal
On call: Vitamin A and macular degeneration
On call
Vitamin A and macular degeneration
Q. Experts say the safe daily consumption for vitamin A is less than 3,000 IU. I am 60 years old and have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. The doctors told me to take the AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study, done by the National Eye Institute of the NIH) formula of antioxidant vitamins, which contains 28,640 IU of vitamin A (beta carotene) along with vitamins C and E, plus zinc and copper, in a daily dose. In addition, I eat a lot of vegetables and not much meat.
Since this much vitamin A is way over the amount you recommend, what should I do? I am younger than most patients with macular degeneration and could be on this formula for a long time. I want to save my vision but not damage my bones.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
