Scientists have been asked for years to consider whether the drug model for research relying strictly on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is actually the most appropriate evidence-based research model for nutrients, including dietary supplements. 

The vitamin E molecule is a mixture of four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta); two completely different forms of the same nutrient molecule.

Eighteen research groups from across the world formed the AMD Gene Consortium in 2010, with support from the National Eye Institute. The primary purpose was to better understand AMD biology and to help design new therapies.