B Vitamins Reduce Risk of Macular Degeneration

A new study tracking over 5000 women with heart disease found that taking folic acid, B12, and B6 to lower homocysteine It is a homologue of the amino acid cysteine that is synthesized from methionine An essential amino acid which serves as a methyl donor and is involved with the biosynthesis of other nutrients. Improper conversion is associated with production of homocysteine and atherosclerosis. which requires adequate Folic Acid, B12, and B6 to function properly. Elevated levels have been associated with heart disease, thrombosis, strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders. significantly reduced the risk of these women developing age-related macular degeneration¹ (AMD).  AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in older Americans.

This is an important finding because eye health, which requires optimal circulation to function well, is compromised in individuals with cardiovascular issues.  The study showed a 34% lower rate of AMD, and a 41% lower rate of serious AMD. 

This adds to an impressive array of information on how nutrition can promote eye health.  We already know that carotenes like lutein can help restore the macular pigment in the eye, also helping this problem.  And antioxidants in general help deactivate free radicals generated by light that also fuel the problem.