Viridian’s Lutein Eye Complex is a combination of nutrients and highly researched plant extracts, which can help maintain eye health through to later years, offering protection against free radical damage caused by dietary deficiency or environmental factors such as pollution and sunlight exposure.

What does Lutein do?

Studies have noted that a higher dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin is related to reduced risk of cataracts and age- related macular degeneration, two eye conditions for which there is minimal options when it comes to effective prevention. Researchers speculate that these carotenoids may promote eye health through their ability to protect the macula from light-induced oxidative damage and aging through both their antioxidant actions as well as their ability to filter out UV light. Consequently, lutein appears to be associated with protection from age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in older adults). People showing protection from macular degeneration have been reported to have eaten about 6 mg of lutein per day from food. Lutein, in supplemental form, should be taken with fat-containing food to improve absorption. Viridian chooses to use Marigold flowers (calendula) to provide a naturally rich source of Lutein.

What does Beta Carotene (D.Salina Algae) do?

Carotenes represent the most wide spread group of naturally occurring pigments in nature. There are over 600 carotenoids with only 30 to 50 having vitamin A activity. Carotenes are intensely coloured (red and yellow) group of fat soluble compounds. Beta carotene would appear to have the highest pro-vitamin A activity. This Beta carotene formula uses a natural source of synergistic carotenoids derived from one of nature’s richest sources, the sea algae DUNALIELLA SALINA. Vitamin A is found in four kinds of photo-pigments within the retina, it plays a crucial role in the function of rods and cones needed for the transmission of the visual impulse. Poor adaptation to changes in light and poor vision at night, are some of the initial findings in low vitamin A conditions.

What is Bilberry good for?

Bilberry extract’s visual enhancement properties were first studied by French researchers on Royal Air Force pilots during World War II. Administration of bilberry extract resulted in improved night time visual acuity, faster adjustment to darkness, and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare.

Bilberry extracts are rich in a flavonoid known as anthocyanoside, which exerts potent effects primarily through improving blood flow and the delivery of oxygen to the eye. Anthocyanoside, has been shown to speed the regeneration of rhodopsin,the purple pigment that is used by the rods in the eye for night vision. The potent antioxidant effects of Bilberry also protect the eyes from free-radical damage, the causative factor involved in the development of cataracts and macular degeneration.

The collagen protecting effects of bilberry also play a significant role in prevention and treatment of glaucoma. Bilberry may lower the risk of some complications associated with blood sugar regulation problems, such as cataracts and retinopathy. One study found that a standardized extract of bilberry could improve signs of retinal damage in people with retinopathy.

What is Taurine used for?

Taurine is thought to have high antioxidant properties and so is able to protect cell membranes from
oxidative damage and also counteract the effects of human ageing. Taurine is an inhibitor of hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical. It has been shown to prevent lipid peroxidation in cataractous lenses. The eye lens contains a significant concentration of taurine, a sulfonated amino acid, and its precursor hypotaurine. It is hypothesised that taurine and hypotaurine may have this purported function of protecting the lens proteins against glycation and subsequent denaturation, in addition to their other functions. Taurine is also found in human tears and is especially rich in eye tissue particularly the cornea. Many multi purpose contact lens solutions actually now contain taurine.

What does Selenium and Vitamin E do?

These antioxidants are known to function synergistically and thus both included within this formula. Selenium triggers the production of one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. This free radical scavenger mops up toxins in the body that can damage cells and with the tissues in the eyes using the most oxygen in the body supplementation with Selenium would be prudent. Early studies have revealed that the selenium content in a human lens with a cataract is only fifteen percent of normal levels.

Vitamin E is the most important fat-soluble antioxidant present in human and animal tissues. It is found in the lipid-rich areas of cells such as in cell membranes and the brain. It is at these sites where it acts to stabilise and protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, heavy metals, and environmental toxins. Vitamin E plays an important role in the health and integrity of the lipid-rich nerve cells.

What do Citrus Bioflavonoids do?

Bioflavonoids include rutin, hesperidin, quercetin, and naringin. Impressive results have been obtained in the treatment of capillary permeability, micro-vascular blood flow, retinopathy, bruising, and sports injuries. Citrus bioflavonoids also possess antioxidant activity, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory effects and an ability to increase intracellular levels of vitamin C.

What is Chromium good for?

Chromium is a co-factor for insulin; without adequate insulin production, as seen in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes, the body suffers from high levels of blood glucose. This results in susceptibility to retinopathy (various non-inflammatory diseases of the retina that can lead to blindness), neuropathy (a degenerative state of the nervous system) and other complications.

What is Pine Bark good for?

Pine bark extract has shown positive affects in many clinical studies in strengthening the tiny capillaries in the eye. Researchers conducted the studies because pine bark has previously been shown to strengthen the circulatory system. Free radicals damage the body by increasing the risk of heart attack, nerve damage, cataracts, blindness and stroke. In addition to possessing excellent antioxidant activity, pine bark has been shown to increase blood flow to the retina and improve visual processes.

What is Zinc good for?

Zinc is required for two important enzymes in the retina that are needed for healthy vision. In a double-blind trial, supplementation using zinc supplements daily for one to two years, significantly reduced the rate of visual loss in people with macular degeneration. Zinc plays an essential role in the body in manufacturing antioxidant enzymes and for enabling a healthy immune function.

What is L-Glutathione good for?

Glutathione and the related enzymes belong to the defence system protecting the eye against chemical and oxidative stress. Glutathione contributes to lens transparency as well as to the transparent and refractive properties of the mammalian cornea, which are essential for proper image formation on the retina. In the cornea, glutathione also plays an important role in maintaining normal hydration level, and in protecting cellular membrane integrity.

What does Lycopene do?

The most abundant carotenoid in tomato is lycopene, followed by phytoene, phytofluene, zeta-carotene, gamma-carotene, beta-carotene, neurosporene, and lutein. Individuals with low levels of lycopene have been found to be twice as likely to have age-related macular degeneration.

What is Copper good for?

Copper is also involved in the production of SOD alongside zinc. Copper is also necessary for the activation of an enzyme lysyl oxidase, required for in the crosslinking of collagen and elastin, crucial for healthy eyes, skin, hair, bone, blood vessels and joints.

Dosage

One to three capsules daily or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
A study conducted in the Netherlands found that volunteers who took natural lutein supplements derived from marigolds, showed a substantial increase in plasma lutein concentration and macular pigment optical density. The male participants took a daily dose of 10 mg of lutein for a period of 12 weeks.

Potential applications

General eye support, eye strain, poor night vision, cataracts, macular degeneration, antioxidant protection, retinopathy, helps support oxygen delivery and blood flow to eye tissues.

Known contraindications

Not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation.

Useful links

General eye health – hemp seed oil (GLA shown to help dry eyes), multi-phytonutrient complex, bilberry with eyebright, ginkgo biloba (supportive in cases of poor peripheral circulation).