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Importance of nutraceutical support in patients with age-related macular degeneration: experience and prospects

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Abstract

DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2026-26-1-11

A.I. Malakhova¹, A.V. Ershov²

¹Smolensk Regional Clinical Hospital, Smolensk, Russian Federation

²I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation

In the Russian Federation, as well as worldwide, an increase in a number of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is reported. In recent decades, studies demonstrated a sharp decline in vital nutrients in the modern human diet. Large-scale epidemiological studies have confirmed that sufficient intake of lutein/zeaxanthin and their high plasma levels are associated with a reduced risk of AMD. In patients over 55 years old, analysis of laboratory data revealed clinical and subclinical deficiencies in a significant proportion of the examined patients. Moreover, elderly patients (≥75 years) who need particular nutraceutical support, showed more pronounced tocopherol and zinc deficiencies (up to 19% and 13%, respectively). As in the case of patients with an intermediate stage of AMD, a role of vitamin-mineral complexes (VMCs) containing lutein, zeaxanthin, antioxidants and trace elements whose composition is the most closely approximate to the AREDS2 formula, in a combined approach to AMD management has been demonstrated. Their use as a part of comprehensive recommendations is associated with improved retinal function in 1 and 3 months of intermittent administration of VMCs, and the results are confirmed by multifocal electroretinography data. A longer intermittent course of VMCs was associated with a further improvement in bioelectric activity of retinal cells. At the same time, in-house ophthalmological surveys have shown that more than 60% of medical practitioners use too short VMC courses or do not prescribe VMCs to AMD patients at all. In general, according to available data, the authors can reasonably believe that prolonged nutraceutical therapy protocols which will maximize a potential of modern VMCs, should be one of AMD management strategies.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration, lutein, zeaxanthin, tocopherol, zinc, vitamin-mineral complexes, VMCs, multifocal electroretinography.

For citation: Malakhova A.I., Ershov A.V. Importance of nutraceutical support in patients with age-related macular degeneration: experience and prospects. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2026;26(1):71–78 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2026-26-1-11

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Anna I. Malakhova — C. Sc. (Med.), Chief Freelance Ophthalmologist of the Ministry of Health of the Smolensk Region, Ophthalmologist of Adult Ophthalmological Department, Smolensk Regional Clinical Hospital; 27, Gagarin Ave., Smolensk, 214018, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-0181-9873

Anton V. Ershov — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Pathophysiology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); 8 Build. 2, Trubetskaya str., Moscow, 119048, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0001-5758-8552

Contact information: Anna I. Malakhova, e-mail: gloft67@mail.ru

Financial Disclosure: the paper was prepared with the support of Bausch Health LLC. The authors' point of view may differ from that of Bausch Health LLC.

There is no conflict of interest.

Received 25.12.2025.

Revised 15.01.2026.

Accepted 30.01.2026.

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