Ocular Support

	Quantity (Packaging)	Product Code, Price Information and Order Link
Lutein, 20 mg.	120 capsules/bottle	PURLU1
Lutein, 20 mg.	60 capsules/bottle	PURLU6

 

 

Macular Support Formula™

Antioxidant formula with lutein for healthy eyes*

*Macular Support Formula™ is a combination of powerful antioxidants and botanicals designed to protect and support the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. Since the macula is extremely susceptible to free radicals, current research emphasizes the importance of antioxidant supplementation in maintaining macular health.

N-acetyl-l-cysteine is a powerful antioxidant and glutathione precursor. In animal studies, it has been shown to protect against oxidative damage to the lens and to support healthy glutathione levels. Glutathione is one of the natural antioxidants found in retinal tissues.

Bilberry, containing anthocyanidins, has been shown to moderate visual fatigue and to improve light to dark adjustments. Grape seed extract is another powerful antioxidant and helps support antioxidant balance in the retina.

This formula is also enhanced with lutein, one of only two carotenoids found in macular pigment. Lutein promotes the integrity and density of the macular pigment. The antioxidant activity of lutein also provides optimal protection of the macula from light. In addition, lutein helps to maintain the health of the optical lens.

Zeaxanthin promotes healthy macular pigment and the mixed carotenoids provide antioxidant support. Vitamin C has also been shown to support ocular health.

This comprehensive formula brings together proanthocyanidins, amino acids, vitamin C and carotenoids to offer protection against free radicals in retinal tissues.*

Reference: Obrosova IG, et al. Antioxidants attenuate early up regulation of retinal vascular endothelial growth factor in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Diabetologia. 2001 Sep;44(9):1102-10.

Ingredients: Can be found here.

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Alpha Lipoic Acid

Water and lipid soluble antioxidant; supports nerve health and retina protection*

*Alpha lipoic acid is an exceptionally versatile nutrient; being both water and fat soluble, it is able to function in almost any part of the body. A powerful antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid neutralizes harmful free radicals and enhances the activity of vitamins C and E, promoting ocular and nervous system health.

One study reported that alpha lipoic acid’s antioxidant capacity may help maintain healthy retinal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) function. Another study suggested that alpha lipoic acid supports retinal capillary health by maintaining healthy advanced glycation end product (AGE) activity. In one trial, alpha lipoic acid indicated the potential to enhance visual acuity. It also supported nerve health in subjects who participated in a four-month randomized double blind placebo-controlled multi-center trial.

The ability of this nutrient to maintain healthy nitric oxide metabolite activity and to promote healthy microcirculation accounted for its ability to promote nerve cell health in two separate studies. One study reported that alpha lipoic acid may have an affinity for retinal ganglion cells, suggesting a potential protective mechanism.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a multifunctional, versatile nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining healthy retinal nerve function.*

Reference: Chidlow G, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid protects the retina against ischemia-reperfusion. Neuropharmacology. 2002 Nov;43(6):1015-25.

Ingredients: Can be found here.

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Vitamin A

Essential nutrient for visual function*

*Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in three main active forms: retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. Each of these forms are essential for supporting growth, reproductive function, the immune system, maintenance of skin and mucous membranes, as well as vision.

The role vitamin A plays in eye health is one of its most well defined and extensively researched. It is responsible for supporting the process that turns visual light, via the rhodopsin-opsin cycle in the retina, into neural signals that are sent to the visual cortex. Rhodopsin is required for light absorption and the presence of vitamin A ensures that it is functioning optimally in rod cells to promote dark adaptation, or night vision. Vitamin A also nutritionally supports the cornea.

Vitamin A promotes healthy structural integrity and visual signaling of the eye.*

Reference: Mata NL, et al. Isomerization and oxidation of vitamin A in conedominant retinas: a novel pathway for visual-pigment regeneration in daylight. Neuron. 2002 Sep 26;36(1):69-80.

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Zinc (citrate)

Highly bioavailable form of zinc for eye health*

*Zinc is a constituent of over two dozen enzymatic reactions in the body, two of which are within the retina. A concentrated pool of zinc exists in the retina and is used to support the rhodopsin-opsin cycle for healthy night vision and synaptic transmission of nerve impulses to the brain. A pilot trial conducted at the Louisiana State University Medical Center reported that zinc may promote macular health. Another study indicated that zinc supports retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) health. As a component of superoxide dismutase (SOD), zinc promotes cellular antioxidant protection. Furthermore, zinc has been reported to bind to melanin rich tissues in the iris and to enhance antioxidant activity in the eye.

Zinc (citrate) is a highly bioavailable form of zinc important for a wide range of ocular functions.*

Reference: Newsome DA, Swartz M, Leone NC, Elston RC, Miller E. Oral zinc in macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 1988 Feb;106(2):192-8.

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Ascorbic Acid

Powerful antioxidant support for lens health and vascular integrity*

*Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and coenzyme throughout the body, including the eyes. Vitamin C levels are generally 10-50 times higher in the eyes than the plasma, but diminish naturally with age. This water-soluble compound enhances healthy vision by supporting glutathione activity, quenching superoxide molecules, and promoting healthy blood flow.

A number of studies have indicated vitamin C to be particularly protective of the eye lens, promoting visual clarity. One study reported that vitamin C may maintain healthy ocular sorbitol production.

Optimal vascular and capillary integrity are dependent on vitamin C and its role in collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production. A clinical trial suggested that vitamin C supported healthy intraocular flow and comfort.

Vitamin C provides an essential component for optimal lens longevity and vascular circulation.*

Reference: Valero MP, et al. Vitamin C is associated with reduced risk of cataract in a Mediterranean population. J Nutr. 2002 Jun;132(6):1299-306.

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Ginkgo 32/9™

Provides ginkgoheterosides and terpene lactones to support vascular function and vision*

*Ginkgo biloba offers nutritional support to the vascular system and eyes by sustaining the strength and elasticity of blood vessels and capillaries, as well as by acting as a free radical scavenger. The active components of Ginkgo biloba, ginkgoheterosides and terpene lactones, enhance the flow of oxygen and blood and support transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body, including the brain and eyes.

A phase I cross-over trial performed at the Indiana University Medical Center indicated that ginkgo promoted end diastolic velocity (EDV) in the ophthalmic artery, supporting healthy vision. Another study suggested that ginkgo extract may act as a neuroprotectant. Furthermore, a double blind study reported that Ginkgo biloba extract helped to support visual field range.

Ginkgo 32/9™ is standardized to contain 32% ginkgoheterosides and 9% terpene lactones, providing potential support for healthy circulation and visual function.*

Reference: Quaranta L, Bettelli S, Uva MG, Semeraro F, Turano R, Gandolfo E. Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on preexisting visual field damage in normal tension glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2003 Feb;110(2):359-62.

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