Many of us take food supplements every day to boost our diet in the hope of boosting the health of our bones, immune system and even our brain, but what about our eyes? Read on to learn how taking one MacuPrime capsule every day can enhance your vision now and protect it from AMD in the future1,2.
Natural Carotenoid Antioxidants in our eyes
Foods such as kale and peppers contain high levels of plant antioxidants called carotenoids.
While there are over 700 plant carotenoids, only three specific ones (Lutein, Zeaxanthin and most importantly Meso-Zeaxanthin) naturally gather and concentrate in our eyes. Specifically, carotenoids are found at the back of our eye, in a specialised area of the retina called the macula where they are seen as a yellow pigment known as macular pigment.
Protecting the retina from AMD
The protective macular pigment acts like a powerful natural sun block, filtering light inside the eyes and protecting our macula from damage. The macula controls nearly 90% of our detailed central vision (used for reading, driving, cooking and seeing faces), therefore protecting it is crucial so that we may continue to enjoy an independent lifestyle as we get older.
If not nourished with the right quantity of carotenoids, the protective barrier breaks down when exposed to blue light, sun light and oxidative stress from ageing, which can lead to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – the leading cause of sight loss in Ireland in people over the age of 50.
Irish Clinical Studies on Irish Patients
Scientists from the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI) at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) have proven that our eyes need 10mg Lutein, 10mg Meso-Zeaxanthin and 2mg Zeaxanthin to successfully rebuild macular pigment in our eyes, protect against AMD and improve vision1,2.
Sadly with the nutritional quality of food dropping world-wide, it is nearly impossible to get enough carotenoids from diet alone. For example, we’d need to eat 1.7 cups of kale, 11,904 whole trout and 1.8 cups of orange pepper every day, to get the amount of carotenoids that have been shown to be effective in the Waterford Institute of Technology studies and that are contained in just one MacuPrime capsule.
Prof John Nolan, Director NRCI, who has studied nutrition for the eyes for over 20 years, explains,
“Our clinical studies have proven that taking a MacuPrime carotenoid supplement every day over a number of months is effective in rebuilding the protective macular pigment in 100% of patients. We’ve shown that they can enhance vision for the general population (even for people with no eye problems). Most importantly, the supplements have also been effective for patients afflicted with AMD – we’ve been able to enhance their visual performance with improved contrast sensitivity and reduced glare disability. This is a remarkable discovery given that vision normally declines in patients with AMD”.
At what age should we take MacuPrime?
When it comes to protecting our sight, prevention is definitely better than cure – our macular pigment suffers damage on a daily basis so it is never too early to introduce a carotenoid supplement our diet and replenishing the carotenoids in our eyes.
The EU-funded, Central Retinal Enrichment Trials at WIT demonstrated that even individuals with strong and healthy eyesight can benefit from taking MacuPrime. The studies showed that taking MacuPrime over a period of 12 months, saw those with healthy eyes experience significant improvements in their contrast sensitivity and glare disability, such as driving at night1.
Food Supplements should not be used to replace a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle. Always read the label.
1. Enrichment of Macular Pigment Enhances Contrast Sensitivity in Subjects Free of Retina Disease: Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials – Report 1, Nolan et al, IOVS, 2016. 2. The Impact of Supplemental Antioxidants on Visual Function in Nonadvanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Head-to-Head Randomized Clinical Trial” Akuffo, et al IOVS, 2017.
