Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I am 23 years old and have Stargardt’s, a genetic macular degeneration condition. What, if any, dietary supplements should I be taking?” — Thanks! Sandy G., Danbury, CT

A. Dear Sandy, While macular degeneration most commonly occurs in people over the age of 60, the inherited form of macular degeneration known as Stargardt’s disease affects children and young adults. Stargardt’s generally refers to a group of inherited diseases which cause the light-sensitive cells in the inner back of the eye (retina) to deteriorate, particularly in the area where fine focusing occurs. Loss of central vision also occurs, while peripheral vision is usually retained.

While there is currently no cure for Stargardt’s, there are things you can do to keep your eyes healthy. One of the most important steps is to increase your intake of healthy antioxidants. This protects circulation to the eye and helps forestall the progression of macular damage.

My favorite nutrients for eyesight are a group of plant compounds called carotenoids. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated their ability to preserve healthy eye function. I recommend a formula that contains a natural astaxanthin complex with at least 2% astaxanthin, along with other carotenoids like lutein, canthaxanthin and beta carotene, as well as a black currant extract standardized to more than 25% anthocyanins. A powerful natural antioxidant, black currant helps to protect the eyes from the
damaging effects of free radicals. I suggest taking 2 capsules of this formula twice daily.

You may also want to consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to further support your vision, as well as enhance your overall health. I recommend taking omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, naturally bound to phospholipids, which you can find in a tablet form. The advantage to this type of omega fatty acid supplement is that the absorption is increased up to 50 times over regular fish oil supplements, and the purity is vastly superior. Therefore, you only need one or two tablets a day instead of handfuls of fish oil capsules or spoonsful of fishy tasting oils. I suggest taking 1 tablet twice daily.

I encourage you to talk with your doctor and see what he/she thinks of using the protocol I have recommended.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally