AREDS Macular Degeneration Vitamins for Smokers

Smokers with macular degeneration have a dilemma. Although AREDS in 2001 showed clear benefit to slowing the progression with high dose supplements, one ingredient was the beta-carotene form of Vitamin A.

A large by the U.S. National Cancer Institute called the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study cancer prevention trial showed that that beta-carotene may pose an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Additionally, the National Eye Institute states, "...many studies suggest that former smokers maintain some increased risk of lung cancer for years after stopping smoking. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that beta-carotene may also slightly increase their risk of cancer, at least for a period of several years."

Therefore, Dr. Krawitz and our nutritionists recommend AMD supplements that do not contain beta-carotene for people who have habitually smoked within the past 20 years.

Vitamin Science was the first company worldwide to create a macular degeneration supplement specifically for smokers, and the company continues to be a leader for the development of superb formulas based upon the latest scientific research in this high risk group.

The VisiVite AREDS and AREDS 2 formulas below DO NOT contain beta-carotene.