What it is
Regulatory status: dietary supplement formula; not an FDA-approved treatment
Mechanism evidence: human
At a glance
What it is, why people use it, the evidence, and what to know before trying it.
Why people use it
- Reduce progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration in eligible patients
Evidence at a glance
This is a condition- and formulation-specific intervention. Evidence supports the tested AREDS2 formula for certain people with intermediate or advanced AMD, not prevention in people without those findings.
Confidence: strong
Safety & interactions
Known side effects, interactions and use limits from reviewed sources.
AREDS2 is not intended for everyone. High-dose zinc and vitamin E can interact with health conditions or medicines; an eye-care professional should determine whether a person's AMD stage matches the studied population.
- anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines
- other high-dose vitamin or zinc supplements
Forms and variants
This review does not automatically apply to:
- general multivitamins
- original AREDS formula with beta-carotene
- eye-health blends that do not match AREDS2 doses
Seen in protocols
Public protocols that include AREDS 2. Open one to see the full context and source.