Daily intake of selenium and vitamin E does not protect men from cataracts in adulthood.

These are the results of the latest study conducted by scientists from Harvard.

Recall that earlier experiments on animals suggested the presence of a protective effect of selenium and vitamin E, so some experts have long recommended taking these supplements for the prevention of cataracts..

To test this, a team of scientists from Harvard Medical School and Brigham Women's Hospital in Boston analyzed data from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial that was originally designed to examine the effects of selenium and vitamin E on prostate cancer risk..

The team was led by Dr. William Christen of Brigham Women's Hospital.. The results of the work were published at the end of last week in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology..

Of the nearly 35,000 men who participated in the study, more than 11,000 were asked to report whether they had cataracts or had undergone surgery.. All African Americans in the study were 50 years of age or older.. The rest of the men were over 55.

In total, about 400 cases of cataracts were found. The median treatment and follow-up period was 6 years..

Among the men who took selenium, there were 185 cases of cataracts, and in the group that did not take this supplement, there were 204 cases of the disease.. There were 197 cases of cataracts in the vitamin E group compared to 192.

“These data from a large randomized trial provide strong evidence that vitamin E supplementation has no effect on cataract risk..

Evidence also does not support the use of selenium, with or without vitamin E, although a minor but potentially important effect cannot be ruled out,” said the study authors..

Dr. Mark Fromer, an ophthalmologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, agrees with the scientists: “Until now, there has not been a single study that has proven the benefit of any vitamin or mineral for the prevention of cataracts.. Today there is no option to slow the progression of cataracts, except for one - wearing sunglasses and avoiding ultraviolet radiation..

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