Are Antioxidants Good For Diabetic Retinopathy?
January 21, 2010
A small, but popular study published in the January issue of Ophthalmology finds no correlation between serum levels of Vitamin E and “inconsistent” results for Vitamin C and magnesium. The conclusions are based upon a meta-analysis of over 4100 patients.
Laboratory evidence, however, indicated possible associations between the antioxidants and magnesium. For instance;
- Vitamins C and E suppress production of VEGF
- Monocyte adhesion to retinal endothelial cells caused by hyperglycemia is inhibited by Vitamins C and E
- Impaired insulin action and glucose uptake caused by altered protein kinase C may be reveresed with Vitamin C
- Magnesium acts as a calcium antagonist
Based on these laboratory findings, no association between diabetic retinopathy and Vitamin E, Vitamin C and magnesium could be established. Several conflicting results regarding Vitamin C and magnesium levels warrant further investigation the authors noted.
Randall V. Wong, M.D.
Retina Specialist
Fairfax Virginia
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