Research, conducted by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group, has shown that an increased dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin (carotenoids), in addition to omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), taken individually or in combination might further reduce the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The original “AREDS formula”, launched in 2001 suggested that a supplement of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper reduced the risk of advanced AMD by 25 %, leading to the availability of many over-the-counter supplements. The original AREDS research study had recommended beta-carotene as part of a dietary regimen to reduce AMD risk however, the new studies suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin may be more effective as there appeared to be a potential link between beta carotene and lung cancer for current and former smokers.