Vitamins are essential micronutrients that our bodies need in small amounts to stay healthy. Each vitamin plays a unique role and impacts different organs. For instance, to keep your eyes healthy, you need to have enough vitamin A in your system.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body. You can get it from animal sources like liver and butter or from plants with carotenoids—those are the red and yellow pigments in plants and some animals. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy cells in the retina, the part of your eye that turns light into nerve signals. So, vitamin A is really important for good vision.
You’ve probably heard parents say that eating carrots will help you see better. That’s because carrots are packed with vitamin A. Other great sources include spinach, cod liver oil, dairy products, fish, fish oil, squash, collard greens, and papayas. Generally, fruits and vegetables that are orange, red, or yellow have high levels of vitamin A, which is great for your eyes.
To maintain good vision and eye health while you’re young, and to prevent issues like cataracts and macular degeneration as you age, make sure to include these foods in your diet. Research published in journals such as the American Journal of Epidemiology and Ophthalmology suggests that higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin (types of carotenoids or vitamin A) in your diet may lower the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
If you choose to take vitamin A supplements, be cautious not to overdo it, as too much can cause unpleasant side effects. Look for reliable brands, like Macushield, which is known for its benefits for eye health. It’s a unique carotenoid eye supplement that contains antioxidants to protect your eye tissue from damage. In one study involving patients with early macular degeneration, 88% of those who took a vitamin supplement showed improved vision after six months, while only 59% of those who didn’t take supplements had no vision loss.
It’s important to take vitamin supplements with food to ensure proper absorption. If swallowing large capsules is difficult, you can mix the contents with some fruit juice or other drinks. Always purchase vitamins from a reputable pharmacist, and be sure to read the label thoroughly, checking the ingredients and their amounts.