Vision Support Formula

Description

Diamond Nutritionals’ Vision Support Formula is used for supporting eye health.

Ingredients

Antioxidants play a large role in eye health. Oxidative damage is one of the primary causes of poor eye health, including macular degeneration and cataract formation. In a recent study done on AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease), it was shown that supplementation with beta-carotene (15 mg), vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), zinc (80 mg), plus copper (2 mg) had a beneficial effect on the progression to age related macular degeneration (AMD). Another clinical trial (www.AREDS2.org) is currently looking at the effects lutein and zeaxanthin, with or without DHA and EPA, have on the progression to advanced AMD.

Quercetin is a flavonoid which has a high biological activity and is used as a potent antioxidant. Quercetin is found widely in the plant kingdom, including onions. In vitro, Quercetin has been shown to inhibit human lens aldose reductase (an enzyme that converts glucose to sorbitol). Sorbitol cannot be transported through the lens membrane and therefore accumulates in the lens tissue, causing damage.

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) is another antioxidant and is also a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione concentrations in the eye are very high when compared to other tissues in the body. Low levels are associated with poor eye health. Oral glutathione is not well absorbed in the body. Supplementing with NAC may be a better way to achieve optimal glutathione levels.

Ginkgo has historically been used to increase circulation, and while its use in retinal protection is less common there are a few studies that show its benefits. In a small study, ginkgo was able to protect retinas from damage induced by different enzymes and xenobiotics.

Bilberry is rich in anthocyanosides and has historically been used to improve night vision. Extracts of bilberry are used in France and Germany for vascular conditions and night vision.

Zinc is a trace mineral and plays many important roles in the human body. Zinc plays a role in over 50 different proteins or enzymes, one being superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is vital to the quenching of free radicals in the lens and retina. Zinc is also used in other antioxidant enzymes including catalase. Studies have shown that zinc is able to significantly reduce visual loss when compared to placebo.

Taurine is an amino acid made by the body. Retinal concentrations of taurine are quite high, and taurine is also required for the proper development of the retinal tissues. Taurine has been shown to be able to stimulate the replication of human retinal pigmented epithelial cells.

Lutein, Lycopene, and Zeaxanthin: Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations in the macula lutea portion of the eye. These two carotenoids are thought to quench free-radicals before they damage the lipid membranes. Studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin increase macular pigment and lower the risk of AMD. Low levels of lycopene, one of 10 carotenoids found in human serum, has also been shown to be a risk factor for poor eye health.

Lipoic Acid, once known as thioctic acid, is considered one of the most versatile antioxidants. Lipoic acid is able to recharge the antioxidants vitamin E, ascorbic acid, and glutathione. Lipoic acid has also been shown to inhibit the activity of aldose reductase in hyperglycemic conditions and improve visual function in a study of glaucoma patients.

Dosage

SUGGESTED USE: As a dietary supplement, 2 capsules per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Contraindications

Caution is advised for those taking blood thinning medications. If you are pregnant or nursing consult your physician. Diabetic patients should speak with their physician about any changes in medications due to potential changes in blood sugar control.