Macular Degeneration Glutathione Levels

Can Increasing Levels Slow Disease Progression?

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It is no surprise the macular degeneration glutathione (GSH) levels are diminished in the elderly. Thus macular degeneration mostly found in the elderly. Since it is a leading cause of blindness in those over 50 years of age, it is important to give GSH levels consideration.

Macular Degeneration Risk Factors

  • Advancing Age: About 10% of patients over 65 to 74 will develop macular degeneration. Then age 75- to 85 the prevalence increases to 30% according to Wikipedia.

  • Smoking: Doubles the risk of macular degeneration.

  • Family History: A 50% life time risk with familial history vs 12% for those without family history.

  • High Blood Pressure

  • High Cholesterol

  • High Fat Intake

  • Oxidative Stress

  • Race: Whites are more likely than Blacks

  • Sunlight Exposure: Studies on blue light are conflicting but there is a correlation with High Energy Visible Light and age related macular degeneration.

    TreatmentThere are numerous drug treatments and the success of some is remarkable.

    Prevention

    The Age-Related Eye Disease Study found that a diet combination of high dose beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and Zinc can help reduce some risk for about 25% of the patients in the trial.

    Additionally another study suggests that statins (cholesterol reducing drugs) may help in prevention in AMD and slowing progression. This is important as you will see…

    One study noted...

    The GSH level in the retina may be a crucial therapeutic target in preventing blindness.

    Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 62 Yeouido-Dong, Yeoungdeungpo-Ku, Seoul, 150-713, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

    And consider...

    CONCLUSIONS: Independent of its PPARgamma activity, dPGJ(2) protected cells from oxidative stress by elevating GSH and enhancing MAPK activation. Thus, dPGJ(2) may delay the development of dry-type age-related macular degeneration.

    Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006 Nov; 47(11):5098-105.Protection of RPE cells from oxidative injury by 15-deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin j2 by augmenting GSH and activating MAPK.

    Olin S, McLaughlin AP, De Vries GW.Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan Inc., 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, USA.

    It is possible to elevate macular degeneration glutathione levels by 30% using nutricuticals. You can learn more about a type that was used in a clinical trial and is listed in the Physicians Desk Reference and in the pharmacists Red Book.

    Glutathoine the Master Antioxidant reviews the three main properties of this wonderful cellular defense system.

    Dietary ConsiderationsFat is an essential part of our diet. Limiting fat intake to 20 to 25% of total food energy (this would mean cutting current red meat and dairy intake by 50%. Replace with cold water fish (twice a week) and eat nuts may help.

    Bonus… Two Brazil nuts have 200 mcg of Selenium. That is how much you need every day. It is one of the co-factors of glutathione production.

    Since oxidative stress is associated with macular degeneration glutathione level decrease, then a diet that boosted glutathione levels could be helpful. Also a diet rich in antioxidants could be helpful.

    Although the findings on light exposure are not conclusive, it could not hurt to wear sunglasses.

    There is much more that can be written about Macular Degeneration Glutathione levels and how to increase them. More will be included in the future.

    Please come back.

    Go to Eyes and Glutathione for the overview.

    Glaucoma and glutathione shows the importance of this substance in your eye health.

    GlutathioneDiseaseCure.com: The Macular Degeneration Glutathione Resource


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