Evaluation of dietary antioxidant levels and supplementation with ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite.
Year: 1993
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Oxidative damage caused by free radicals has been implicated in the development of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Recent studies suggest that antioxidant vitamins and minerals can be useful for the management and/or prevention of this condition. METHODS: To assess the normal dietary intake of the antioxidants, 28 healthy subjects 55 years of age and over completed a diet survey. Then two over-the-counter (OTC) nutritional supplements that make claims about the antioxidant nutrients they contain (ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite) were evaluated with respect to their ability to raise blood levels of two important antioxidant nutrients: zinc and beta-carotene. RESULTS: Based on the diet survey, 26 of the 28 subjects were found to have deficient intakes; zinc and selenium were the most commonly deficient nutrients. Following a 2-week administration period, both ICAPS-Plus and Ocuvite significantly raised mean serum zinc levels 24.7 percent and 18 percent respectively; ICAPS-Plus significantly raised mean beta-carotene levels by 21.4 percent, but Ocuvite did not change the mean level significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the probable relationship between antioxidant levels and diseases such as ARMD, these results suggest that OTC supplements might be useful for selected patients.
Source: PubMed
Authors: M S Kaminski, D P Yolton, W T Jordan, R L Yolton
Institution: Pacific University
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W87982355