["Do you have a remedy for macular degeneration?" A field study about the advice given on dietary supplementation in 60 German pharmacies].

PURPOSE: Since completion of the AREDS study, evidence has accumulated to suggest that some form of dietary supplementation may be of value in special individuals who are at risk of progressive age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). We wanted to find out which of the many supplements available are recommended in practice and which instructions, promises, and purchasing arguments are used by German pharmacies.

METHODS

A blinded consultation following a standardized protocol was carried out in 60 pharmacies.

RESULTS

In 36 pharmacies specific products for dietary supplementation were recommended, but the dosage never complied with the AREDS study, and in 24 pharmacies, the necessity for a medical examination or consultation with an ophthalmologist was not mentioned. Possible interactions with other drugs or side effects were generally excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Potential risks of supplement intake were underestimated. Medical knowledge of the most frequent cause of blindness in the Western world was insufficient. A clear policy of recommendations according to evidence-based criteria is needed.