What is Vitalux?

Vitalux is one of the ocular supplements prescribed by eye doctors to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition affects nearly 1 million Canadians to some degree and is unfortunately a leading cause of blindness in this country. 

Evidence suggests that improving your diet may improve your eye health, which can help slow AMD's progression.

A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, lutein and zeaxanthin has all been shown to reduce the progression of AMD. These compounds can be found naturally in fish, fruits, leafy greens, and eggs. 

However, your optometrist may also recommend taking an ocular supplement to ensure that you consistently get a high level of these compounds in your diet.

The now famous AREDS and AREDS2 studies showed that supplements in specific quantities could slow the progression of AMD from intermediate to advanced—allowing patients to keep their vision longer.

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. 

Will Vitalux Prevent Me From Getting AMD?

No. The AREDS and AREDS2 studies did not produce any data that showed that taking Vitalux or other nutritional supplements could prevent you from developing AMD; they only showed that supplements like Vitalux could slow the progression.

Can You Still Take A MultiVitamin If You take Vitalux?

Yes. Vitalux is an ocular supplement and is not intended to replace your multivitamin. In fact, during the AREDS and AREDS 2 studies, most study participants also took a multivitamin. 

Why is there no Beta-Carotene in Vitalux-S?

In the original AREDS study, approximately 2% of patients taking the supplement, which included beta-carotene, developed lung cancer. This was in contrast to about 1% of patients who were not taking a beta-carotene supplement. In addition, the study showed that about 90% of people who developed lung cancer were former smokers. 

Is Vitalux Safe to Take?

In general, most people experience no adverse side effects from Vitalux. However, the most common side effects are upset stomach and constipation, so taking Vitalux with a meal and drinking plenty of water is recommended. 

Some patients may also experience increased blood thinning or bruising when combined with other anticoagulant medications. You must let your eye doctor know if you are taking a blood thinner. We will need to work with your family physician to adjust your medication levels while ensuring that you can still take Vitalux or another AREDS2 formulation safely. Increased blood thinning is caused by higher levels of Vitamin E and Omega-3. 

As we noted above, Vitalux contains Beta-Carotene, which has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in people who smoke or have recently quit smoking. In this case, it's strongly recommended that you consider taking Vitalux-S for the first year of treatment. 

Conclusion. 

Vitalux can play an important role in treating AMD, along with regular eye exams and retinal imaging with your optometrist. Although Vitalux cannot prevent you from developing AMD, it has been shown to slow the progression of AMD, thus maintaining your good vision for longer.

Although Vitalux is often viewed as only being a vitamin supplement, it has solid clinical research behind it. 

Talk to your optometrist about which Vitalux product is right for you, and confirm the dosage with them during your eye exam.

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.