The amount of zinc in AREDS2 is excessive and possibly toxic. Zinc toxicity can cause copper deficiency, but copper is supplied in AREDS2.
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of possible zinc toxicity, you should consult your physician.
Taking too much zinc can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and headaches. Chronic excessive intake may lead to copper deficiency and impaired immune function.
The Areds I take from Walmart have only 12.5% of zinc in each tablet. They used to have double that amount, I think they discovered that amount of zinc was not necessary and could cause problems that some people were having.
Stopped taking the AREDS 2 vitamins and after at least 18 months it f misery I appear to be doing better. 3 weeks of formed stools. Amazing.
Several years back I was living in Saudi Arabia and had a similar experience. Happened to hear Dr Dean Adel on the radio saying that some people do not tolerate the glucosamine portion of the glucosamine and chondroitin portion of those arthritis supplements. Same results. Stopped taking it and my belly calmed down.
I think my stomach issues is from the type of vitamin C in it, ascorbic acid. Wish I could find one with the vit C ascorbate form that’s easier on the stomach. But haven’t had any luck.
I used AREDS2 for about 2 yrs. I followed the directions and took it with food morning and night. Often times after taking it I would feel nauseous. I began to get severe acid reflux a couple of times a week. After being referred for an endoscopy I was diagnosed with ulcers in my esophagus and stomach. I stopped the AREDS2 and immediately began to feel better. After 9 months and 4 endoscopy’s the ulcers are finally healed. I had no diagnosis of cancer or bacteria in the esophagus and AREDS2 was the only medication I took besides vitamin D. Has anyone else had a similar experience.
I also had severe nausea when I started taking Areds2 but my primary physician got to the bottom of the problem by telling me to stop my multivitamin (contains vitamin E) and also stopping the 400IU of vitamin E I had been taking since 1979 for dense breast tissue. After stopping all the extra Vitamin E I'm back on the Areds2 and so far am doing fine.
The Areds I take from Walmart have only 12.5% of zinc in each tablet. They used to have double that amount, I think they discovered that amount of zinc was not necessary and could cause problems that some people were having.
@jimw9 I buy Vitalux Areds2. They have 12.5 mg in each chewable. They dropped down from the 80 mg in two tablets a few years ago. Vitalux is a Canadian company. They're reasonably priced, too:
Active Ingredients (Per Tablet): Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 250mg, Vitamin E (dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) 134mg, Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) 12.5mg, Copper (as Cupric Oxide) 1mg, Lutein 5mg, Zeaxanthin 1mg
I switched to Maccuhealth last Dec. because I didn't tolerate the 9 month of AREDS2. I have chronic kidney disease (CKD), collagenous colitis, and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM). I started AREDS2 last March after a dry AMD diagnosis. Along with my multivitamin, I was getting more than 3,000x my RDA of copper, plus high zince. Within 2 months my colitis worsened, my CKD went from stage 3a to 3b, then my precancer numbers (kappa, IgA) started ramping up. AREDS2 may not be recommended for people with CKD, and I don't know what the copper compound in AREDS2 is, so don't know if that is a factor in ramping up from MGUS to SMM, but it did result in colitis flare inflammation that ended 2.5 mo after going off AREDS2 and the multivitamin (switched to B complex). The half-life of copper in our bodies is around a month. My eyes are doing well at least. It is hard, having a complex mix of health issues.
AS a victim of AREDS, Mayo reports it can be toxic and NO ONE tests for copper. IF it's 2x a day, DEMAND bi-annual blood tests on: B:12/6, Copper, Iron and ZINC. My doctor never did, and I'm handicapped.
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The Areds I take from Walmart have only 12.5% of zinc in each tablet. They used to have double that amount, I think they discovered that amount of zinc was not necessary and could cause problems that some people were having.
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3 ReactionsI think my stomach issues is from the type of vitamin C in it, ascorbic acid. Wish I could find one with the vit C ascorbate form that’s easier on the stomach. But haven’t had any luck.
I stopped the preservision Areds2
Vitamins about 3 months ago and my belly is soooooooo much better!!!! I am so glad I found this theead!
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1 ReactionI filed a report with the FDA
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1 ReactionI used AREDS2 for about 2 yrs. I followed the directions and took it with food morning and night. Often times after taking it I would feel nauseous. I began to get severe acid reflux a couple of times a week. After being referred for an endoscopy I was diagnosed with ulcers in my esophagus and stomach. I stopped the AREDS2 and immediately began to feel better. After 9 months and 4 endoscopy’s the ulcers are finally healed. I had no diagnosis of cancer or bacteria in the esophagus and AREDS2 was the only medication I took besides vitamin D. Has anyone else had a similar experience.
I also had severe nausea when I started taking Areds2 but my primary physician got to the bottom of the problem by telling me to stop my multivitamin (contains vitamin E) and also stopping the 400IU of vitamin E I had been taking since 1979 for dense breast tissue. After stopping all the extra Vitamin E I'm back on the Areds2 and so far am doing fine.
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1 Reaction@kaye46 I believe AREDS 1 and AREDS 2 both have the same amount of Zn which is 80mg.
@jimw9 I buy Vitalux Areds2. They have 12.5 mg in each chewable. They dropped down from the 80 mg in two tablets a few years ago. Vitalux is a Canadian company. They're reasonably priced, too:
Active Ingredients (Per Tablet): Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 250mg, Vitamin E (dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) 134mg, Zinc (as Zinc Oxide) 12.5mg, Copper (as Cupric Oxide) 1mg, Lutein 5mg, Zeaxanthin 1mg
I switched to Maccuhealth last Dec. because I didn't tolerate the 9 month of AREDS2. I have chronic kidney disease (CKD), collagenous colitis, and smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM). I started AREDS2 last March after a dry AMD diagnosis. Along with my multivitamin, I was getting more than 3,000x my RDA of copper, plus high zince. Within 2 months my colitis worsened, my CKD went from stage 3a to 3b, then my precancer numbers (kappa, IgA) started ramping up. AREDS2 may not be recommended for people with CKD, and I don't know what the copper compound in AREDS2 is, so don't know if that is a factor in ramping up from MGUS to SMM, but it did result in colitis flare inflammation that ended 2.5 mo after going off AREDS2 and the multivitamin (switched to B complex). The half-life of copper in our bodies is around a month. My eyes are doing well at least. It is hard, having a complex mix of health issues.
AS a victim of AREDS, Mayo reports it can be toxic and NO ONE tests for copper. IF it's 2x a day, DEMAND bi-annual blood tests on: B:12/6, Copper, Iron and ZINC. My doctor never did, and I'm handicapped.