Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have developed a supplement at may slow down AMD progression in elderly people. The supplement was designed in consultation with researchers both from the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s and from Dr. Mann Pharma and Bausch and Lomb. Professor Usha Chakravarthy and Dr. Stephen Beatty presented the data in Belfast last week.

The supplement is called CARMA (Carotenoids and Co-antioxidants in Age-related Maculopathy) and contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin as well as vitamins C, E and Zinc. Over 400 people in Ireland participated in this study. The results showed that the intake of high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin preserved the macular pigments and slowed the progression from early AMD to late AMD. In the placebo group, the macular pigments decreased.

The researchers note that this trial is the first randomized controlled trial to show benefit through improved function and maintained macular pigments.

For more information, read the full press release here ^[1].