Why beta-carotene appears in eye-nutrition discussions
Beta-carotene is a carotenoid and a precursor to vitamin A. The original AREDS formula used beta-carotene, but later evidence created concern about lung-cancer risk in smokers and former smokers.
What changed in AREDS2
AREDS2 replaced beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin. National Eye Institute materials advise current and former smokers to avoid the older beta-carotene-containing AREDS formulation and use AREDS2 when an AREDS supplement is clinically appropriate.
What this means for VisiFlora
VisiFlora lists vitamin A as beta carotene at 450 mcg RAE. That amount is not the same as the old AREDS beta-carotene dose, so it would be inappropriate to claim the old AREDS risk applies identically. But the ingredient is present, which makes it worth discussing with a clinician if you currently smoke or smoked in the past.
Do not use this page to self-diagnose AMD
The decision to use AREDS2 is based on the stage of AMD seen on an eye examination. A supplement label cannot tell you whether you have intermediate AMD.
