Cataracts
Supplements studied for cataracts.
Overview
Dietary and supplemental antioxidants dominate cataract prevention research here. Lutein intake or higher blood levels appear linked to lower cataract risk, especially nuclear cataracts, in observational research; supplements with lutein and zeaxanthin may reduce surgery need in low-intake groups over several years.
Vitamin C from food or supplements is similarly associated with lower cataract risk in population studies. By contrast, B-vitamin combinations including Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B9 (Folate) did not prevent cataracts in long-term trials of women at cardiovascular risk and may have been linked to higher cataract surgery rates. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for trial-level detail.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Lutein | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Vitamin C | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Multivitamin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin E | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Ginkgo | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin B6 | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Vitamin B12 | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Selenium | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Lycopene | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
15 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
LuteinView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research suggests that eating more lutein‑rich foods is linked to a lower chance of developing cataracts.
- People with the highest intakes or blood levels of lutein had about a 25% lower risk of cataracts, especially nuclear cataracts, and eating 7–12 mg of lutein daily was associated with a lower risk of severe cataracts needing surgery.
- In people with low lutein intake, taking a supplement with lutein and zeaxanthin daily for several years reduced the chance of needing cataract surgery, but no benefit was seen in those who already had enough in their diet.
- Some early studies also suggest that lutein supplements may help people who already have cataracts see more clearly.
Browse 9 studies·4 meta-analyses
Systematic reviewSmoking, dietary factors and major age-related eye disorders: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses2022
An umbrella review found smoking and dietary factors including carotenoids have varying evidence strength for cataract, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Effect
- Benefit
MetaA dose-response meta-analysis of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in relation to risk of age-related cataract2014n=41,999
A dose-response meta-analysis of 6 cohorts (4,416 cataract cases) found higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake reduced nuclear cataract risk (RR 0.75); each 300 µg/day increment lowered nuclear cataract risk by 3%.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 300 mcg/day
- Participants
- 41,999
MetaAssociation between lutein and zeaxanthin status and the risk of cataract: a meta-analysis2014
A meta-analysis found higher blood lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were associated with reduced nuclear cataract risk (pooled RR 0.73 and 0.63), with weaker associations for cortical and subcapsular cataract.
- Effect
- Benefit
MetaAssociation of blood antioxidants and vitamins with risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis of observational studies2013n=18,999
A meta-analysis of 13 observational studies (18,999 participants) found higher blood lutein (OR 0.75) and zeaxanthin (OR 0.70) were inversely associated with age-related cataract risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 18,999
RCTLutein/zeaxanthin for the treatment of age-related cataract: AREDS2 randomized trial report no. 42013n=4,203
In 3,159 AREDS2 participants, daily lutein/zeaxanthin 10/2 mg did not significantly reduce overall cataract surgery risk (HR 0.96), though HR was 0.68 in the lowest dietary intake quintile.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 4,203
- Ages
- 50–85
RCTLutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: a 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study2003n=6
In 17 cataract patients, up to 2 years of lutein 15 mg three times weekly improved visual acuity and glare sensitivity, whereas alpha-tocopherol 100 mg did not.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 45 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with age-related cataracts
- Participants
- 6
ObservationalA prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women1999
In 77,466 US women followed 12 years, highest quintile lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 22% lower cataract extraction risk (RR 0.78) versus the lowest quintile.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Ages
- 45–71
ObservationalA prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men1999n=36,644
In 36,644 US men followed 8 years, highest quintile lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 19% lower cataract extraction risk (RR 0.81) versus the lowest quintile.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 36,644
- Ages
- 45–75
ObservationalNutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study1992n=50,828
In 50,828 US women, higher dietary carotene and vitamin A intake was associated with 39% lower cataract extraction risk; long-term vitamin C supplement use also showed protection.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 50,828
- Ages
- 45–67
Vitamin CView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Eating or taking vitamin C supplements may lower the risk of cataracts, especially a type called nuclear cataracts.
- Studies show people with the highest vitamin C intake have around 19% less chance of cataracts, and long-term supplement users had up to 60% less.
- Higher blood vitamin C is linked to less cataracts in some Asian groups.
- Overall, vitamin C intake is associated with about 27% lower chance of cataracts.
- But a clinical study found that taking vitamin C with vitamin E and beta-carotene didn’t stop vision loss from cataracts in well-nourished people over about 6 years.
Browse 5 studies·3 meta-analyses
Systematic reviewSmoking, dietary factors and major age-related eye disorders: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses2022
An umbrella review found smoking and dietary factors including carotenoids have varying evidence strength for cataract, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Effect
- Benefit
MetaAssociation of vitamin C with the risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis2016
A meta-analysis found highest vs lowest vitamin C intake (RR 0.81) and serum ascorbate (RR 0.70) associated with lower age-related cataract risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
MetaAssociation of blood antioxidants and vitamins with risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis of observational studies2013n=18,999
A meta-analysis of 13 observational studies (18,999 participants) found higher blood lutein (OR 0.75) and zeaxanthin (OR 0.70) were inversely associated with age-related cataract risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 18,999
RCTA randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss: AREDS report no. 92001n=4,757
AREDS Report No. 9 in 4,757 participants (ages 55–80) found high-dose antioxidant supplementation did not significantly prevent cataract progression or reduce cataract-related vision loss.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 400 IU/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 4,757
- Ages
- 55–80
ObservationalVitamin supplement use and incident cataracts in a population-based study2000n=3,684
In 3,089 Beaver Dam Eye Study participants, multivitamin or vitamin C/E supplement use >10 years lowered 5-year nuclear and cortical cataract risk ~40–60%.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 3,684
- Ages
- 43–86
Vitamin AView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Eating more vitamin A in the diet may slightly lower the chance of developing cataracts.
- Some studies found that people with the highest vitamin A intake have about a 17% lower risk than those with the lowest intake.
- It is not clear if taking vitamin A supplements helps prevent cataracts.
Browse 4 studies·3 meta-analyses
Systematic reviewSmoking, dietary factors and major age-related eye disorders: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses2023
An umbrella review found smoking and dietary factors including carotenoids have varying evidence strength for cataract, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Effect
- No Benefit
MetaAssociation of vitamin A and β-carotene with risk for age-related cataract: a meta-analysis2014
A meta-analysis found higher vitamin A and β-carotene intake were inversely associated with cataract risk (RR 0.83 for intake; RR 0.765 for serum vitamin A after sensitivity analysis).
- Effect
- Benefit
MetaAssociation of blood antioxidants and vitamins with risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis of observational studies2013n=18,999
A meta-analysis of 13 observational studies (18,999 participants) found higher blood lutein (OR 0.75) and zeaxanthin (OR 0.70) were inversely associated with age-related cataract risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 18,999
ObservationalDiet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study2000n=2,900
The Blue Mountains Eye Study of 2,900 adults (ages 49–97) found higher protein, vitamin A, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin intake were associated with reduced nuclear cataract prevalence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 2,900
- Ages
- 49–97
ZeaxanthinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Higher levels of zeaxanthin in the blood seem to lower the chance of developing cataracts, especially a type called nuclear cataracts.
- People who eat more lutein and zeaxanthin together also have less risk of cataracts, but it’s not clear if zeaxanthin alone has this effect.
- Taking supplements with zeaxanthin and lutein along with the usual AREDS vitamins lowers the chance of needing cataract surgery by about 30% in people who don’t get much lutein and zeaxanthin from their diet.
Browse 4 studies·3 meta-analyses
MetaA dose-response meta-analysis of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in relation to risk of age-related cataract2014n=41,999
A dose-response meta-analysis of 6 cohorts (4,416 cataract cases) found higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake reduced nuclear cataract risk (RR 0.75); each 300 µg/day increment lowered nuclear cataract risk by 3%.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 300 mcg/day
- Participants
- 41,999
MetaAssociation between lutein and zeaxanthin status and the risk of cataract: a meta-analysis2014
A meta-analysis found higher blood lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were associated with reduced nuclear cataract risk (pooled RR 0.73 and 0.63), with weaker associations for cortical and subcapsular cataract.
- Effect
- Benefit
MetaAssociation of blood antioxidants and vitamins with risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis of observational studies2013n=18,999
A meta-analysis of 13 observational studies (18,999 participants) found higher blood lutein (OR 0.75) and zeaxanthin (OR 0.70) were inversely associated with age-related cataract risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 18,999
RCTLutein/zeaxanthin for the treatment of age-related cataract: AREDS2 randomized trial report no. 42013n=4,203
In 3,159 AREDS2 participants, daily lutein/zeaxanthin 10/2 mg did not significantly reduce overall cataract surgery risk (HR 0.96), though HR was 0.68 in the lowest dietary intake quintile.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 4.7 years
- Dose
- 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 4,203
- Ages
- 50–85
MultivitaminView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking a daily multivitamin may slightly lower the chance of getting certain kinds of cataracts.
- Studies show that people who use multivitamins long-term have about a 9% lower risk of developing cataracts overall and a 13% lower risk for nuclear cataracts, which are the most common type related to aging.
- However, multivitamins do not seem to reduce the need for cataract surgery or help with other types like posterior cataracts.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaThe effect of multivitamin/mineral supplements on age-related cataracts: a systematic review and meta-analysis2014
A systematic review and meta-analysis found multivitamin/mineral supplements did not significantly slow age-related cataract progression.
- Effect
- Benefit
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not known if taking riboflavin (vitamin B2) by mouth helps people with cataracts.
- Some studies suggest that eating foods rich in riboflavin might lower the chance of developing certain kinds of cataracts as people get older.
- One study in China found that taking a supplement with riboflavin and niacin together seemed to reduce cataract risk in people with nutritional deficiencies, but it is unclear which vitamin was responsible.
Browse 3 studies
ObservationalLong-term nutrient intake and 5-year change in nuclear lens opacities2005
An observational study in women found that long-term use of vitamin E supplements and higher riboflavin and/or thiamin intake may reduce the progression of age-related lens opacification.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Population
- Women
- Ages
- 52–74
ObservationalDiet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study2000n=2,900
The Blue Mountains Eye Study of 2,900 adults (ages 49–97) found higher protein, vitamin A, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin intake were associated with reduced nuclear cataract prevalence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 2,900
- Ages
- 49–97
RCTThe Linxian cataract studies. Two nutrition intervention trials1993n=3,249
A randomized trial of 3249 (ages 45–74) found that in the second trial, the prevalence of nuclear cataract was significantly lower in persons receiving riboflavin/niacin compared with persons not receiving these vitamins.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 3,249
- Ages
- 45–74
GinkgoView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research on cataracts is limited.
- A randomized clinical trial testing adjunct Ginkgo biloba extracts to prevent posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery, observing reduced PCO progression versus control with acceptable safety.
- More studies are needed before any benefit can be considered reliable.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of Ginkgo biloba extracts in the prevention of posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery: A randomized clinical trial2025n=74
In 144 cataract surgery patients, ginkgo biloba extract 200 mg/day for 6 months significantly reduced posterior capsule opacification progression versus placebo over 3-year follow-up.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 200 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 74
- Avg age
- ~65
Vitamin EView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin E by mouth does not seem to lower the risk of getting cataracts.
- Some studies found that people who eat or take more vitamin E have a lower chance of developing age-related cataracts, but other studies did not find the same result.
- More reliable research from clinical trials shows that vitamin E, alone or with other vitamins, does not stop cataracts from getting worse or improve vision.
- Some studies suggest eating more vitamin E might slightly lower cataract risk compared to eating less, but the effect is small.
Browse 12 studies·1 meta-analysis
Systematic reviewSmoking, dietary factors and major age-related eye disorders: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses2022
An umbrella review found smoking and dietary factors including carotenoids have varying evidence strength for cataract, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy.
RCTAge-related cataract in men in the selenium and vitamin e cancer prevention trial eye endpoints study: a randomized clinical trial2015n=35,533
In 11,267 SELECT participants, 5–6 years of selenium 200 mcg/day or vitamin E did not reduce age-related cataract incidence versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 200 mcg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 35,533
- Ages
- 5–6
MetaAntioxidant vitamin supplementation for preventing and slowing the progression of age-related cataract2012n=86
A Cochrane review of 9 trials (117,272 adults) found no evidence that antioxidant vitamins including vitamin E prevent or slow age-related cataract progression.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 86
- Ages
- 35+
RCTAge-related cataract in a randomized trial of vitamins E and C in men2010
In Physicians' Health Study II, 400 IU synthetic vitamin E every other day for 8 years did not reduce cataract risk in 11,415 US male physicians.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 years
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Men
RCTA randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss: AREDS report no. 92001n=4,757
AREDS Report No. 9 in 4,757 participants (ages 55–80) found high-dose antioxidant supplementation did not significantly prevent cataract progression or reduce cataract-related vision loss.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 400 IU/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 4,757
- Ages
- 55–80
ObservationalVitamin supplement use and incident cataracts in a population-based study2000n=3,684
In 3,089 Beaver Dam Eye Study participants, multivitamin or vitamin C/E supplement use >10 years lowered 5-year nuclear and cortical cataract risk ~40–60%.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 3,684
- Ages
- 43–86
ObservationalAntioxidant vitamins and nuclear opacities: the longitudinal study of cataract1998n=764
In a longitudinal study of 764 adults, regular vitamin E supplement use and higher plasma vitamin E were associated with roughly 50% lower risk of worsening nuclear lens opacities.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 764
RCTIncidence of cataract operations in Finnish male smokers unaffected by alpha tocopherol or beta carotene supplements1998n=425
In ATBC (28,934 Finnish male smokers), 50 mg/day alpha-tocopherol for 5.7 years did not affect cataract extraction incidence (RR 0.91 vs placebo).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 50 mg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 425
- Ages
- 50–69
ObservationalFood and nutrient intake and risk of cataract1996n=207
A case-control study in northern Italy found higher dietary vitamin E intake associated with lower cataract extraction risk (OR 0.5 for highest vs lowest quintile).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 207
RCTSerum carotenoids and tocopherols and severity of nuclear and cortical opacities1995n=400
In 400 adults aged 50–84, higher serum carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol were not consistently associated with less severe nuclear or cortical lens opacities overall.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 400
- Ages
- 50–84
RCTThe use of vitamin supplements and the risk of cataract among US male physicians1994n=17,744
In Physicians' Health Study (17,744 men), multivitamin use was associated with lower cataract risk (RR 0.73); vitamin C and/or E alone showed no significant benefit.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 17,744
- Ages
- 40–84
ObservationalNutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study1992n=50,828
In 50,828 US women, higher dietary carotene and vitamin A intake was associated with 39% lower cataract extraction risk; long-term vitamin C supplement use also showed protection.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 50,828
- Ages
- 45–67
Vitamin KView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Evidence is insufficient for this condition.
Browse 1 study
RCTAssociation of Dietary Vitamin K1 Intake With the Incidence of Cataract Surgery in an Adult Mediterranean Population: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial2017n=1,086
In an RCT of 1,086 participants, participants in the highest tertile of dietary vitamin K1 intake had a lower risk of cataracts than those in the lowest tertile (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58-0.88; P = .002), after adjusting for potential confounders.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 1,086
- Ages
- 18+
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking niacin supplements helps prevent cataracts.
- Some research shows that people who eat more niacin in their diet may have a lower risk of developing cataracts, but taking niacin pills has not been shown to reduce the risk.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalDiet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study2000n=2,900
The Blue Mountains Eye Study of 2,900 adults (ages 49–97) found higher protein, vitamin A, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin intake were associated with reduced nuclear cataract prevalence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 2,900
- Ages
- 49–97
LycopeneView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- One study suggests that people with higher lycopene levels in their blood may have a lower risk of cataracts.
- However, other studies have not found any link between lycopene, whether from diet or blood levels, and cataracts.
Browse 4 studies
ObservationalBlood levels of vitamin C, carotenoids and retinol are inversely associated with cataract in a North Indian population2008n=1,112
A case-control study of 1,112 adults aged ≥50 in North India found lower blood vitamin C, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, retinol, and lycopene inversely associated with cataract risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 1,112
- Ages
- ≥50
ObservationalA prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women1999
In 77,466 US women followed 12 years, highest quintile lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 22% lower cataract extraction risk (RR 0.78) versus the lowest quintile.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Women
- Ages
- 45–71
ObservationalA prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men1999n=36,644
In 36,644 US men followed 8 years, highest quintile lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 19% lower cataract extraction risk (RR 0.81) versus the lowest quintile.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 36,644
- Ages
- 45–75
Serum carotenoids and tocopherols and incidence of age-related nuclear cataract1999n=400
A longitudinal study of 400 adults aged 50–86 in the Beaver Dam Eye Study found higher total serum tocopherol associated with lower nuclear cataract risk (OR 0.4, tertile 3 vs 1), but carotenoids including lycopene were not significantly associated.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 400
- Ages
- 50–86
SeleniumView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking selenium by mouth, alone or with vitamin E, has been studied for preventing cataracts in men.
- One study found that taking selenium daily for about 5.5 years did not lower the chance of developing cataracts compared to taking a placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTAge-related cataract in men in the selenium and vitamin e cancer prevention trial eye endpoints study: a randomized clinical trial2015n=35,533
In 11,267 SELECT participants, 5–6 years of selenium 200 mcg/day or vitamin E did not reduce age-related cataract incidence versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 200 mcg/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 35,533
- Ages
- 5–6
Vitamin B12View supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin B12 together with folic acid and vitamin B6 does not lower the chance of developing cataracts in women at risk of heart disease.
- In one long-term study, these vitamins were linked to a higher chance of needing cataract surgery.
- Vitamin B12 is not recommended to prevent cataracts.
Browse 1 study
RCTFolic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 in Combination and Age-Related Cataract in a Randomized Trial of Women2016n=3,925
A randomized trial of 3925 women found that 2.5 mg/day for the secondary endpoint of cataract extraction, there were 155 in the combination treatment group and 120 in the placebo group (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.63; p = 0.04).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 2.5 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 3,925
- Avg age
- ~40
Vitamin B6View supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking vitamin B6 by mouth does not seem to slow down cataracts.
- In studies of women with heart disease or at high risk, taking a daily combination of folic acid (2.5 mg), vitamin B6 (50 mg), and vitamin B12 (1 mg) for about 7 years did not lower the chance of getting cataracts compared to a placebo.
- In fact, the risk of needing cataract surgery was 28% higher in those who took the vitamins.
Browse 1 study
RCTFolic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 in Combination and Age-Related Cataract in a Randomized Trial of Women2016n=3,925
A randomized trial of 3925 women found that 2.5 mg/day for the secondary endpoint of cataract extraction, there were 155 in the combination treatment group and 120 in the placebo group (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.63; p = 0.04).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 2.5 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 3,925
- Avg age
- ~40
Vitamin B9 (Folate)View supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking high doses of folic acid and B vitamins for several years does not lower the risk of getting cataracts in women at risk for heart disease.
- In fact, the chance of needing cataract surgery may be higher for people taking these vitamins compared to those not taking them.
Browse 1 study
RCTFolic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 in Combination and Age-Related Cataract in a Randomized Trial of Women2016n=3,925
A randomized trial of 3925 women found that 2.5 mg/day for the secondary endpoint of cataract extraction, there were 155 in the combination treatment group and 120 in the placebo group (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.63; p = 0.04).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 2.5 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 3,925
- Avg age
- ~40
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E | ★★★★★44% | 12 | 1 | 24% |
| Lutein | ★★★★★72% | 9 | 4 | 18% |
| Vitamin C | ★★★★★68% | 5 | 3 | 10% |
| Lycopene | ★★★★★32% | 4 | 0 | 8% |
| Vitamin A | ★★★★★52% | 4 | 3 | 8% |
| Zeaxanthin | ★★★★★52% | 4 | 3 | 8% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | ★★★★★48% | 3 | 0 | 6% |
| Ginkgo | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Multivitamin | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| Selenium | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B12 | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |