Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ross McKenzie | Updated October 13, 2026
What is Vitalux?
Vitalux is one of the eye vitamin supplements I frequently discuss with patients who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians and is one of the leading causes of vision loss as we get older.
One of the questions I often hear from patients is, "Can taking vitamins actually help protect my vision?" The answer is yes, but only for certain stages of macular degeneration, and choosing the right supplement matters.
We know that eating a healthy diet, particularly one rich in leafy green vegetables, fruits, and fish, is good for your overall eye health. Nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin are especially important for the macula, the small part of your retina responsible for the sharp, central vision you use to read, drive, and recognize faces.
But here's where supplements like Vitalux come in.
Two major clinical studies, known as AREDS and AREDS2, found that a specific combination of vitamins and minerals can reduce the risk of intermediate AMD progressing to advanced disease by approximately 25% over five years.
That's a meaningful benefit, especially when we're trying to preserve as much of your vision as possible.
However, not every Vitalux product contains the same ingredients, and not everyone with AMD needs to take one. That's why I always encourage my patients to understand which formulation they're taking, how much they should take, and whether it's actually appropriate for their eyes.
What is the Correct Dose of Vitalux?
With so many different types of Vitalux on the market, what's the correct dose?
Unfortunately, our clinic often sees patients not taking their supplements correctly. Although still beneficial, we always want to try and match the study data as closely as possible to ensure that we practice good evidence-based medicine.
When determining which product you should take, it's always best to talk to your optometrist.
Vitalux Chewables: 2 Tablets Per Day
Vitalux Advanced: 2 Tablets Per Day
Vitalux Advanced + Omega-3: 3 Softgels Per Day
Vitalux Advanced Multi-Vitamin Chewable: 2 Tablets Per Day
Vitalux Healthy Eyes: 2 Tablets Per Day
Vitalux-S: 2 Tablets Per Day
We understand that you may be on several medications, and we recommend spacing out your vitamins throughout the day.
We usually recommend taking one tablet with breakfast and one tablet with supper.
If your optometrist recommends Vitalux with Omega-3, we recommend taking 1 softgel with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Vitalux should always be taken with a fatty meal to get the most absorption and to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset.
“Are You Taking the Right Vitalux for Your Eyes?
Taking the correct number of tablets is important, but so is knowing whether you’re taking the right formulation for your eye health.
At Helio Optometry in Edmonton, we use Optomap retinal imaging and OCT screening to examine the macula, monitor changes over time, and help patients understand their risk of AMD progression.
If you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration, or you’re unsure whether your current supplements are appropriate, we’re happy to help you make sense of it.”
Why Taking Vitalux Is Only Part of Managing Macular Degeneration
One of the biggest misunderstandings about Vitalux is that taking the right supplement means your eyes are being looked after.
Unfortunately, macular degeneration can continue to progress even when you're taking an AREDS2 supplement correctly.
That's why regular eye examinations and retinal imaging remain so important. At Helio Optometry, we use Optomap retinal photography, fundus autofluorescence, and OCT imaging to look for changes in the macula that may not be obvious from your vision alone.
We want our patients to understand more than which vitamins to take. We want them to know what stage of macular degeneration they have, what changes we're watching for, and when their next examination should be.
Vitalux may help reduce the risk of progression in appropriate patients. Regular monitoring helps us recognize when your eyes need more attention.
If you notice new distortion, a sudden change in central vision, or a new dark or missing area in your vision, seek urgent eye care rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.
Will Vitalux Prevent Me From Getting AMD?
No. Vitalux and other AREDS2 supplements have not been shown to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from developing in otherwise healthy eyes.
The original AREDS and AREDS2 studies demonstrated that specific combinations of vitamins and minerals can reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD in certain patients, particularly those with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye.
For these patients, an appropriate AREDS2 formulation can reduce the risk of progression by approximately 25% over five years. However, these supplements do not cure AMD, reverse existing retinal damage, or restore vision that has already been lost.
If you have a family history of macular degeneration but no signs of the disease yourself, taking Vitalux is not necessarily the best preventive strategy.
Instead, focus on not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables, managing cardiovascular risk factors, and having regular eye examinations.
The first step is knowing whether you have AMD and, if you do, what stage it's at. That determines whether an AREDS2 supplement is likely to benefit you.
Can You Still Take A MultiVitamin If You Take Vitalux?
Yes, but it's important to check the ingredients before combining them.
Many patients already take a daily multivitamin when they're advised to start Vitalux. In fact, many participants in the original AREDS studies also took multivitamins.
However, some Vitalux formulations already contain substantial amounts of vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and other nutrients. Combining these with a multivitamin or additional supplements could result in unnecessarily high daily doses.
This is especially important if you're taking extra zinc, vitamin E, or other products marketed for eye health.
We recommend bringing a list of your medications and supplements to your next eye examination. Your optometrist or pharmacist can review the ingredients and help you determine whether your current combination is appropriate.
More vitamins don't necessarily mean better protection for your eyes. The goal is to use an evidence-based formulation at the correct dose without unnecessarily duplicating ingredients.
Why Is Beta-Carotene a Concern for Current and Former Smokers?
High-dose beta-carotene supplements have been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in people who currently smoke or have smoked in the past.
The original AREDS formulation contained beta-carotene, which was later replaced by lutein and zeaxanthin in the AREDS2 formulation.
This was an important improvement because lutein and zeaxanthin provide the intended nutritional support without the same demonstrated lung cancer risk associated with supplemental beta-carotene.
If you currently smoke or have ever smoked, we generally recommend avoiding AREDS formulations containing beta-carotene and choosing an appropriate beta-carotene-free AREDS2 formulation when supplementation is indicated.
This precaution applies to former smokers as well. There is no established waiting period after quitting smoking when high-dose beta-carotene suddenly becomes safe.
It's also worth remembering that not every Vitalux product has the same ingredients. Always check the label rather than assuming every product in the Vitalux family is equivalent.
Is Vitalux Safe to Take?
Vitalux and other AREDS2 supplements are generally well tolerated, but they aren't appropriate for everyone. Like any supplement containing substantial doses of vitamins and minerals, they can cause side effects or interact with medications.
Some people experience nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea. Taking the supplement with food, when consistent with the product instructions, may help reduce these symptoms.
There are also several important considerations:
Blood thinners: Some formulations contain vitamin E or omega-3 fatty acids, which may be relevant for patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Ask your physician or pharmacist to review your supplements before starting them.
Zinc: Higher doses may cause stomach upset. AREDS2 formulations typically include copper to help reduce the risk of copper deficiency associated with long-term zinc supplementation.
Smoking history: Avoid high-dose beta-carotene formulations if you currently smoke or have smoked in the past.
Other supplements: Combining Vitalux with additional vitamins or minerals may result in excessive intake of certain nutrients.
Never stop or adjust a prescription medication simply because you're starting an eye vitamin.
At Helio Optometry, we encourage people to bring their supplement bottles or a medication list to their appointments. This helps us confirm that they're taking an appropriate formulation and identify anything that may need further review with their pharmacist or family physician.
The safest approach is to take the right supplement for your individual eye health, at the correct dose, with appropriate medical guidance.
Final Thoughts: Is Vitalux Worth Taking?
When it comes to macular degeneration, one of my biggest priorities is helping patients preserve the vision they have for as long as possible.
Vitalux and other AREDS2 supplements can play an important role in doing that. Although they cannot prevent macular degeneration or restore vision that's already been lost, the right formulation has been shown to reduce the risk of progression in patients with certain stages of AMD.
It's easy to think of Vitalux as just another vitamin, but there's some very good clinical research behind it. The important thing is knowing whether you need it, choosing the right formulation, and taking the correct dose.
At Helio Optometry, we combine regular eye examinations with advanced retinal imaging, including OCT and Optomap, to monitor changes in the macula and help our patients understand what's happening with their vision.
If you're already taking Vitalux, bring your bottle to your next appointment. We’re always happy to review what you're taking and make sure it makes sense for your eyes.
Because protecting your vision isn't just about taking the right vitamins. It's about knowing what's happening inside your eyes and having a plan to keep them healthy.
Eye Care in Edmonton
If you or a loved one has age-related macular degeneration or your are concerned about your risk of developing AMD. The eye doctors at Helio Optometry can help determine the best course of action and which vitamin supplements like Vitalux might be best for you. We offer general adult eye exams and seniors eye exams and treatment for many eye conditions. Contact us today to book an appointment in our West Edmonton clinic on 149th street.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.
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