Vitamin B and Choline Supplements Could Slow Glaucoma Progression, Mouse Study Finds

Two supplements may help slow down the progression of glaucoma, according to recent research.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and potentially cause blindness. While there is no cure yet, treatments aim to slow its progression. Previous studies suggest that a healthy diet rich in certain nutrients can lower risk, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B3, A, C, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine indicates that supplementation with B vitamins and choline may help slow glaucoma progression, based on mouse models. Researchers focused on how these nutrients impact the retina and optic nerve health.

Study Highlights:

• The study examined the role of homocysteine, an amino acid involved in protein synthesis, which in high levels has been linked to health issues and eye disease progression.
• Surprisingly, elevated homocysteine did not worsen glaucoma in mice, suggesting it may be a bystander rather than a direct cause.
• Supplementation with B6, B9 (folate), B12, and choline was shown to halt or slow optic nerve damage, even in aggressive glaucoma models.
• The effect appears to be independent of intraocular pressure, a common target in glaucoma treatment.
• Researchers are now planning clinical trials to explore these findings in humans.

Expert Opinions:

• Dr. David Geffen notes that supplementing with vitamins could be a groundbreaking adjunct therapy, especially since glaucoma has no cure and treatments can become less effective.
• Dr. Benjamin Bert emphasizes that any discovery helping to prevent or slow glaucoma is promising, especially with increasingly aging populations.

This research opens new avenues for managing glaucoma through nutritional support, offering hope for non-invasive, accessible interventions.

For more information, read the full study here.