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AREDS2 Formula supplement
Multi-Nutrient Formula

AREDS2 Formula: Benefits, Dosage, Forms & Research

Multi-Nutrient Formula

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

TL;DR — Quick Answer

The AREDS2 formula is the gold standard for AMD supplementation, clinically proven in a trial of 4,203 participants to reduce progression to advanced AMD by approximately 25%. It replaced beta-carotene with lutein/zeaxanthin for improved safety. Recommended for those with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye.

Key Facts

What it is
A clinically validated multi-nutrient formula for age-related macular degeneration from the NIH-sponsored AREDS2 trial
Primary benefits
  • Reduces progression to advanced AMD by approximately 25%
  • Replaces beta-carotene with safer lutein/zeaxanthin
  • Supports macular pigment density
  • Provides antioxidant protection for retinal cells
  • Slows vision loss in intermediate AMD
Typical dosage
Vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, zinc 80 mg, copper 2 mg, lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg daily
Evidence level
Strong
Safety profile
Safe with Caution

What the Research Says

The AREDS2 trial (2013, JAMA) is the definitive study on nutritional supplementation for AMD. Sponsored by the NIH National Eye Institute, it enrolled 4,203 participants aged 50-85 with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. The study confirmed that lutein/zeaxanthin was a safe and effective substitute for beta-carotene, eliminating the lung cancer risk in smokers. A 10-year follow-up (Chew et al., 2022) confirmed that the lutein/zeaxanthin formulation outperformed beta-carotene for AMD prevention.

Benefits of AREDS2 Formula

  • AMD progression reduction — the AREDS2 trial (n=4,203, 5-year follow-up) showed approximately 25% reduction in progression to advanced AMD compared to placebo
  • Safer than original AREDS — replacing beta-carotene with lutein/zeaxanthin eliminated the lung cancer risk seen in smokers with the original formula
  • Long-term proven benefit — a 10-year follow-up confirmed sustained protective effects of the AREDS2 formulation, with lutein/zeaxanthin performing better than beta-carotene
  • Macular pigment support — the lutein/zeaxanthin component increases MPOD, providing blue light filtration and antioxidant protection
  • Comprehensive antioxidant defense — vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc provide multi-pathway protection against retinal oxidative stress
Did you know?

The AREDS2 trial (2013, JAMA) is the definitive study on nutritional supplementation for AMD.

Forms of AREDS2 Formula

FormBioavailabilityBest For
AREDS2 Soft Gels (standard)HighStandard supplementation — 2 soft gels daily provide the full AREDS2 dose
AREDS2 Chewable TabletsModerate-HighThose who have difficulty swallowing large capsules
AREDS2 + Additional NutrientsHighEnhanced formulas — some products add omega-3s, meso-zeaxanthin, or astaxanthin

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: Vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, zinc 80 mg, copper 2 mg, lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg — typically 2 capsules daily

Timing: Divided into two doses daily (morning and evening) with meals • Take with food for best absorption.

Dosage by Condition

ConditionRecommended DoseEvidence
Intermediate AMD (both eyes)Full AREDS2 formula dailyStrong
Advanced AMD in one eyeFull AREDS2 formula dailyStrong
Early AMD / preventionNot proven beneficial — AREDS2 studied intermediate-to-advanced AMDModerate

Upper limit: Follow the standard AREDS2 dosage; zinc at 80 mg is already near the upper tolerable limit (40 mg UL, though 80 mg was well-tolerated in the trial)

Side Effects and Safety

Safety profile: Safe with Caution

Potential Side Effects

  • Gastrointestinal upset from high-dose zinc (80 mg)
  • Urinary tract issues reported in some participants in the AREDS trials
  • Copper supplementation required to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency
  • Skin yellowing at high carotenoid intake (harmless)
  • Mild nausea in some individuals

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Zinc may interfere with certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) — separate by 2 hours
  • High-dose vitamin E may interact with blood thinners (warfarin)
  • Zinc competes with copper and iron absorption — copper is included to offset this
  • Proton pump inhibitors may reduce zinc absorption
Check AREDS2 Formula interactions with other supplements →
BenefitsDosage GuideSide EffectsTypes & FormsResearchFAQ

Related Conditions

Eye Health

Related Supplements

LuteinZeaxanthinMeso-ZeaxanthinAstaxanthin (Eye Health)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take the AREDS2 formula?

AREDS2 is recommended for people diagnosed with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, or advanced AMD in one eye. It is NOT proven to prevent AMD from starting or to help early-stage AMD. Ask your ophthalmologist to stage your AMD before starting. The formula is not recommended for people without AMD.

What changed from AREDS to AREDS2?

The main change was replacing beta-carotene (15 mg) with lutein (10 mg) and zeaxanthin (2 mg). Beta-carotene was linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers. The AREDS2 10-year follow-up confirmed that lutein/zeaxanthin was actually more effective than beta-carotene for AMD prevention, making it the preferred formulation for all patients.

Can I take AREDS2 as a general eye vitamin?

AREDS2 was specifically designed and tested for intermediate-to-advanced AMD. For general eye health without AMD, the high zinc dose (80 mg) may be unnecessary and could cause side effects. A simpler lutein/zeaxanthin supplement (10 mg/2 mg) may be more appropriate for general macular support.

References

  1. (). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. DOI
  2. (). Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ω-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report 28. JAMA Ophthalmology. DOI
  3. (). A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial of High-Dose Supplementation With Vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene, and Zinc for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Vision Loss: AREDS Report No. 8. Archives of Ophthalmology. DOI