| NOW Eye Support offers a full range of
antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual
functions Lutein, a carotenoid found in dark green leafy vegetables,
is a dominant pigment in the macular region of the eye.
What
makes Clinical Strength Eye Support an effective supplement?
Though there are many biologically active ingredients in the
formula the pair that have the greatest body of research to support
their inclusion in Clinical Strength Eye Support is Lutein and
Zeaxanthin.
According to a study published in the April 2004 edition of
Optometry: The Journal of the American Optometric Association, the
lutein antioxidant supplementation trial (LAST) concluded that
visual function of study participants with symptoms of age-related
macular degeneration (ARMD) improved with the intake of lutein alone
or lutein together with other nutrients, such as antioxidants,
vitamins, and minerals.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are fat soluble, yellow colored carotenoids
found naturally in green leafy vegetables like spinach, egg yolks,
corn, peaches and marigolds. Though these carotenoids are found in
fatty tissues throughout the body, by far the highest concentration
is found in the macula and retina of the eye. These fat-soluble
antioxidants have been found to stop free radical reactions
specifically the photo-reactive oxygen species that are particularly
damaging to eye and skin tissues.
What role do some of the other key ingredients play?
Beta-Carotene is another antioxidant carotenoid found naturally
in dark green and orange-yellow vegetables and fruit. Unlike Lutein
however Beta-carotene can be converted to Vitamin A as needed by the
body. Vitamin A is necessary for proper eye function and may reduce
cataract formation.
Bilberry, Green Tea, Ginkgo Biloba and Grapeseed extracts
contribute compounds called Polyphenols and Anthocyanidins. These
antioxidant compounds protect blood vessels that supply needed blood
flow to the eyes and peripheral tissues.
Rutin and the other Bioflavonoids stabilize the collagen matrix
and maintain the integrity of the vital blood vessels that carry
oxygen and nutrients to the eyes.
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that inhibit free radical
damage and are used by the body to prevent some of the degenerative
patterns related to the aging process. Vitamin C may protect the eye
from UV rays that can damage the lens and cause cataracts.
Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid that is the most
abundant amino acid in the retina of the eye and plays a role in
healthy vision.
Selenium and Zinc are minerals that help the body to produce the
important cellular antioxidants Glutathione and SOD that protect eye
tissue from oxidative damage.
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