Introduction:
Vitamin combinations are currently being researched for their effect upon retinitis pigmentosa.
Slowing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa:
Researchers conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial to determine whether vitamin A or vitamin E, alone or in combination, would stop or slow the progression of retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease in which there is damage to the retina. A total of 601 patients aged 18-49 years old over where assigned to either 15,000 IU/d of vitamin A, 15,000 IU/d of vitamin A plus 400 IU/d of vitamin E, trace amounts of both vitamins, or 400 IU/d of vitamin E. Findings show that those receiving 15,000 IU/d of vitamin A had on average a slower rate of decline of retinal function than the two groups not receiving this dosage. However, 400 IU/d of vitamin E had a negative impact on the progression of retinitis pigmentosa.
Assessment and Plan: Retinitis Pigmentosa
- In a study by Berson, EL et al, those receiving 15,000 IU/d of vitamin A for retinitis pigmentosa had on average a slower rate of decline of retinal function than the two groups not receiving this dosage.
- Vitamin E at a dose of 400 IU worsened retinitis pigmentosa by increasing progression of the condition.
Reference:
1.Berson, EL., Rosner, B., Sandberg, MA., Hayes, KC., Nicholson, BW., Weigel-DiFranco, C., Willett, W., A randomized trial of vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation for retinitis pigmentosa. Arch Ophthalmol. 1993 Jun;111(6):761-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8512476