SupplementDEX

Diabetic retinopathy

Supplements studied for diabetic retinopathy.

Overview

No supplement shows clear benefit for diabetic retinopathy. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (DEX Score 32; very low effect size, low evidence, medium trust) at 600 mg daily did not prevent macular edema in a large trial. Probiotics (DEX Score 44; low effect size, low evidence, medium trust) showed no meaningful benefit.

Lutein did not improve vision versus placebo in early trials. Bilberry (160 mg daily) improved swelling and blood flow in one small six-month study. Garlic powder improved vision and eye pressure versus placebo in one short trial, but evidence remains low trust. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.

Effect graph

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Relevant supplements heatmap

Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.

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SupplementDEX Database

6 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

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Evidence visualised

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Visual summaries of supplement evidence ranked by condition.

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