March 11/Heart Disease Weekly -- A new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School has found that combining essential B vitamins, including B6, B12 and folic acid, lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of vision loss among older Americans. These ingredients are formulated in combination with key omega-3 fatty acids and phytosterols.

In the randomized, double-blind clinical trial, more than 5,000 women with heart disease, and at least three risk factors for cardiovascular disease, were given vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid over a seven-year time period. At the end of the trial, approximately 34% of the women had a lower risk of developing any type of AMD, while 41% had a lower risk of more severe forms of AMD.