Diet vs. supplements in ocular health

It has been well documented that nutrition is a factor for ocular health. From the original AREDS study, released in 2001, to the latest studies on macular pigment, we now know that what we ingest can make a difference in how we see. But what is the best way to get these specific nutrients? Let’s see if we can sort out the influence of diet as opposed to just using nutritional supplements.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control now recommends that we eat nine to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. That sounds like we’ll be eating noting but fruits and vegetables all day! However, consider that “a serving” consists of about a handful or one-quarter cup of food. So now that should not sound too outrageous and something that we can likely achieve.

But who has that “perfect diet”? Do you eat four to five smaller meals per day with the exact balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats at each one? And how about those “eight glasses of water” (which doesn’t really have any scientific rationale, either)? We know that we should be eating better but who has the time or inclination to do so?

Given these facts, it just makes more sense that most people will need to take additional nutritional supplements to get the right balance of nutrients on a daily basis. Yet taking just a few vitamins, or a limited multiple vitamin formulation will likely leave some imbalances in your nutrient intake. Vitamins and minerals are all meant to work in harmony with each other, and taking an overabundance of one specific nutrient can actually cause a deficiency in others. Remember, it’s all about moderation and balance.

So, when the topic comes up for your patients, how do you decide how to counsel them? It’s certainly a challenge to think of making diet and lifestyle recommendations based on a visit for an eye exam. In addition, you had better know your nutrition science pretty well so that you can make appropriate recommendations without interfering with other practitioners’ suggestions and possibly their medications. And what if the patient is already taking a multiple vitamin? You should be able to review their current supplement regimen and determine if they are getting the appropriate amount and kinds of nutrients.

Yes, this is not an easy process, but you don’t have to become a nutritionist to make informed decisions for your patients. By learning the scientific rationale for a full spectrum multiple vitamin and some background information on nutrition science, you should be able to work with a local nutritionist to present a well-rounded approach for the patient.

I guess this is as good a time as any to plug the Ocular Nutrition Society as the best source for ocular nutrition education. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating eye care professionals on the role of nutrition for ocular health and treatment of ocular disease. Check out our website at: www.ocularnutritionsociety.org.