AREDS vs. AREDS2
The key formulation differences and why AREDS2 is intended for specific people with AMD—not as a universal eye vitamin.
The important distinction
AREDS and AREDS2 are not generic names for “good eye vitamins.” They refer to formulations studied by the National Eye Institute in people at particular stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What AREDS2 contains
The NEI lists vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, copper 2 mg, zinc 80 mg, lutein 10 mg and zeaxanthin 2 mg in the AREDS2 formulation. The research does not establish that everyone should take this formula.
Who should ask about it
NEI guidance emphasizes speaking with an eye-care professional about whether an AREDS2 supplement is appropriate. People without AMD or with early AMD were not the population shown to benefit in the original AREDS evidence.
Next step
Continue to our Eye Supplements Guide to compare evidence, formulations and labels before considering a product.