Vision QA

Hi My husband has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration in both eyes. He has been told that Bausch and Lomb has a product called Preservision which has a very high content of Beta Carotene. Daily total in 4 tablets is 28,640 IU and this is the suggested daily dose. Other ingredients are C 452MG, E400IU, Zinc 69.5MG and Copper 1.6MG. Problem is that when he takes the suggested dosage it makes him feel like he has "creepy crawlies" all over his body and makes the top of his head tingle. This continues all day and I was wondering if someone else might be taking this product and having the same side effects. Suggestions??? Many Thanks

There are study trials in progress at the national eye intitute reguarding weather beta catotene can help macular degeneration. At recommended dosages, beta-carotene is believed to be very safe. The only side effects reported from beta-carotene overdose are diarrhea and a yellowish tinge to the hands and feet. These symptoms disappear once you stop taking beta-carotene or reduce your dose. However, long-term use of beta-carotene supplements, especially at doses considerably above the amount necessary to supply adequate vitamin A, might slightly increase the risk of heart disease and certain forms of cancer.67–71 The solution: eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and get your beta-carotene that way. In addition, some evidence suggests that beta-carotene supplements might cause alcoholic liver disease to develop more rapidly in individuals who abuse alcohol.