Macular Degeneration : Why use I.V. nutrient therapy?

Macular degeneration is an atrophy or degeneration of the macular area of the retina of the eye. This area is important in the visualization of fine details. Affecting both men and women, age–related macular degeneration is a leading cause of visual loss in people over the age of 50. Although the toxic effects of drugs such as chloroquine or phenothiazine may contribute to this process, the cause of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is unknown. No predisposing systemic risk factor is known, but ARMD may be hereditary. There are two forms of macular degeneration (dry and wet). In the most common form (dry form), there is pigmentary disturbance in the macular region, but no elevated macular scar and no hemorrhage or exudation in the region of the macular (the less common wet form).

Let us discuss what we do know about age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). We do know that dietary factors may play a significant role in the disease process. When the diets of patients diagnosed with advanced stage of ARMD within the previous year were compared to those of normal, the consumption of carotenoid-rich, dark green, leafy vegetables (especially spinach and collard greens) was most strongly associated with a decreased risk of developing the disease. Moreover, a similar study found that the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A was inversely correlated with ARMD risk.

Study after study, animals (mostly monkeys and rats) deprived of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, taurine and carotenoids (specifically lutein and zeaxanthin) all developed retinal degeneration and loss of vision. In all these studies, just one of the nutrients mentioned was withheld at any given interval, with the same consequence.

The eye requires a constant supply of anti-oxidants to prevent or limit oxidative damage generated in the retina as a consequence of the simultaneous presence of light and oxygen. The eye is a unique organ, in that it allows light in. The two most significant anti-oxidants found working in the eye are the carotenoids--lutein and zeaxanthin. Others include vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium and yes, good old fashion vitamin C.

Zinc is higher in concentration in the retina than any other organ in the body. It is crucial in the utilization of vitamin A. Reducing the supply of zinc also decreases the activity of catalase, an anti-oxidant metallo-enzyme found in the macular human retinal pigment epithelium. Macular degeneration is directly associated with reduced catalase activity.

What else can there be? A lot! Aside from going into the biochemical activity of taurine for normal vision, there is the issue of capillary fragility. Anthocyanosides (i.e. found in bilberry) have been found to dramatically halt or even reverse the degeneration in ARMD. What do they do? Anthocyanosides protect altered capillary walls (oxidative damage) by increasing the endothelium barrier-effect through stabilization of membrane phospholipids. They also increase the biosynthetic processes of the acid mucopolysaccharides of the connective ground substance through restoration of the altered mucopolysaccharidotic pericapillary sheath. In other words, they allow for capillaries (crucial component to eye health) to function in tact.

Now we have to talk about why people are not getting these nutrients from their diets or from supplementation. Simply put, they are not absorbing it. Assimilation in the GI tract for a minimal nutrient gain is not happening. A few possible problems are as such: Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) is commonly found in people over the age of 50. An imbalance of GI flora (gut bugs) is commonly found in people over 50. A deficiency in digestive enzymes is commonly found in people over 50. Your car needs a 50,000 mile over hall. Well, so do you.

One more thing worth mentioning is the possibility of gluten sensitivity (celiac disease). This is an important GI condition to rule out, because it leads to significant mal-absorption. Especially suspect are those patients younger than 50 with weight loss and diarrhea. This mal-absorption, found with gluten sensitivity, interestingly enough can lead to visual loss and macular degeneration.

In conclusion, most people over the age of 50 can not absorb and assimilate enough nutrients to halt or reverse a degenerative disease like ARMD. This is why bypassing the GI tract with I.V. therapies can be extremely effective in managing the debilitating consequences of macular degeneration. It allows the body to utilize the high levels of nutrients necessary to treat the degenerative process and restore health.

For more information about I.V. therapies and how they may help you, contact Dr. David at the St. John’s Health Center.

For more information or to schedule an
appointment, please call St Johns Health Center:
503.286.4400