Protect Your Vision with B Vitamins
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about the benefits of vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folic acid. These three B vitamins work together to reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a toxic byproduct of incomplete protein metabolism. B vitamins help slow the hardening of arteries, which is caused by homocysteine. High levels cause blood platelets to accumulate, which may lead to the formation of blood clots. Homocysteine has been shown to affect the production of nitric oxide, a substance that causes arteries to relax and blood flow to increase. People with elevated homocysteine levels are more likely to have strokes, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, kidney disease, diseases of the eye, erectile dysfunction, and especially heart disease.
A new study shows just how effective three Bs are at preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of irreversible blindness in older people. The study involved 5,442 women age 40 or older who already had heart disease or at least three risk factors for AMD, such as smoking, high blood pressure, or obesity. The women took either a placebo or a combination of 2,500 mcg of folic acid, 1,000 mcg of vitamin B12, and 50 mg of vitamin B6 each day. They were treated and followed for an average of 7.3 years. During that time, the supplement users had 34% less risk of developing AMD, and a 41% lower risk of developing severe AMD, than women not taking the supplement.
These findings are important for two reasons. First, this study was a large, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, considered the “gold standard” for research. There is no arguing with its results. The benefits of the supplements began to be seen after about two years, and continued throughout the study, the researchers say. (Christen, WG, et al. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169[4]:335-341.)
Secondly, it’s becoming apparent that when researchers know what to look for — early signs of cellular damage — reducing homocysteine levels really does protect your cardiovascular system. In the case of AMD, it’s damage to the tiny blood vessels behind your retina that cause problems.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Research shows that you can prevent age-related macular degeneration but keeping your homocysteine levels under control. It’s easy to get your homocysteine levels checked, but there is a wide range of what is considered normal. The truth is that “normal” levels can still be too high. We recommend keeping your level in the low-normal range: no higher than 7-8 umol/L. A homocysteine level over 12 µmol/L should be treated aggressively. Folic acid, and vitamins B12 and B6 can play an important role in lowering elevated homocysteine and saving your vision.
