Vitamins That Contribute to Eye Health
While vitamins can contribute to overall wellness, vitamin deficiencies can cause serious health problems. This is true for your eyes as well as your overall health. Three vitamins that scientists have identified as particularly important to eye health are vitamins A, C, and E. Maintaining sufficient levels of these vitamins may help support overall eye health; however, the FDA has not evaluated this data or claims about antioxidant effects on vision and slowing disease progression.
Sources of Vitamins A, C, and E
Fruits and vegetables that are rich in color, especially those of the orange, yellow, red, purple, and blue variety, are likely to contain vitamins good for eye health. Lean meats, liver, fish, nuts, and eggs are also rich in nutrients your eyes need, as well as these sources:
- Vitamin A: beef or chicken liver, cheese, whole milk, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and cantaloupe
- Vitamin C: oranges, cantaloupe, kale, broccoli, strawberries, and sweet peppers
- Vitamin E: wheat germ oil and whole grains
For most people, the best way to get these nutrients is through a healthy diet, including two or more servings of fish per week, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before fortifying your diet with any sort of multivitamin.
