Protect your Vision

For decades, scientists have tried to determine why people who eat more vegetables and fruits have such low rates of degenerative disease.

After evaluating hundreds of carotenoids found in red, yellow, and orange plants, researchers have zeroed in on Lutein and Zeaxanthin. They have discovered that these two carotenoids provide broad-spectrum effects, including protection against atherosclerosis and a reduced risk of certain cancers.

The benefit that doctors are focusing on most is the ability of these carotenoids to help maintain the structure of the macula. Considering the magnitude of today’s macular degeneration epidemic, it is no wonder that so many aging people are taking steps to ensure that they obtain enough Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

Understanding the mechanism of action of Lutein and Zeaxanthin helps to explain their value for cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, and healthy eyes. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are antioxidants that destroy harmful free radicals generated by exposure to light, which initiates oxidative damage in the eyes and skin. These xanthophylls provide protection against free radicals that can damage cells and DNA, and thus cause cancer.

In the eye, Lutein and Zeaxanthin are known as the macular pigments, which are important for absorbing visible light, reducing light scatter in the eye, and providing antioxidant protection. Light is necessary for vision, but is also dangerous—capable of destroying cells or their components by photo-oxidation. Lutein and Zeaxanthin can filter the high-energy blue and blue-green wavelengths of light from the visible-light spectrum. Filtering blue light has two important functions: it reduces chromatic aberration (poor image color) and prevents blue light-induced oxidation. In other words, these blue wavelengths, which allow a person to see the color blue, are similar to the invisible ultraviolet A and B wavelengths in that they can induce cell damage in the eyes. Phototoxic damage contributes to the pathophysiology of macular degeneration and cataract.

Most people associate carrots (a rich source of beta-carotene) with eye health. Carrots are important for vision, though beta-carotene has not been detected in the eye lens, which is important for focusing vision. In fact, Lutein and Zeaxanthin are the predominant carotenoids in the eye lens and macula, the area in the eye’s retina that contains cells that are important for color vision. For this reason, Lutein and Zeaxanthin play a critical role in maintaining normal vision.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin provide optimal nutrition for ocular health by protecting the eyes from light-induced oxidative damage, which triggers macular degeneration and cataract.

Related product: Super Zeaxanthin with Lutein & Meso-Zeaxanthin.