By Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. on Aug 8, 2024
You probably have heard of folks taking melatonin supplements to help them get over jet lag or deal with chronic insomnia. But did you know that this hormone, which your brain produces in response to darkness, has other amazing powers?
Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic have found that folks age 50 and older who are taking the supplement are protected from developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, those who took melatonin and did not have AMD cut their risk of developing it in half. And folks who had been diagnosed with AMD and took melatonin were able to significantly slow the progression of the disease. Melatonin does this by tamping down oxidative damage, the spread of new, fragile blood vessels, and helping block dysregulated cell death. (That seems to help prevent several types of cancer, too.)
The National Eye Institute says that 11 million Americans have AMD. It causes loss of central vision because of damage to the macula, the part of the retina that controls sharp, straight-ahead sight. There are two forms, dry and wet (which may develop from dry AMD). A supplement called AREDS 2 that combines vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and copper in specific doses is often prescribed to slow the progression of some forms of AMD. And melatonin supplementation may be another smart approach.
Talk to your doctor about taking AREDS 2 and melatonin if you are at risk for or have AMD. And explore the info in the iHerb.com blog "Top Tips for Eye Health: Supplements, Foods, and More."
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
