According to AREDS2, how much Zinc is recommended for supplementation?

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) provides key guidelines for the supplementation of various nutrients to help reduce the risk of progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to the findings of this study, a daily dosage of 25 mg of zinc is recommended. The upper limit of this recommendation is often considered to accommodate individuals where a slight increase, up to around 80 mg, may not pose significant risks, making this range accurate.

The rationale behind including zinc in the formulation stems from its essential role in maintaining retinal health and function, as well as its antioxidant properties that help protect the eyes from oxidative stress. The recommendation is based on the evidence that shows zinc supplementation can help to slow the progression of AMD and potentially other causes of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Understanding the rationale for the suggested dosage is critical. A lower supplementation amount may not provide adequate protective benefits, while higher doses can increase the risk of adverse effects without significant additional benefits. Thus, the recommended range aligns with both safety and efficacy based on clinical research.