Globally, approximately 250 million people suffer from
varying degrees of vision loss. Leading causes include several eye conditions
such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and
diabetic retinopathy. These conditions disproportionately affect older adults,
and with an aging population, the number of affected individuals is predicted
to increase exponentially [1].
Whilst the aetiology-related eye disease is complex and
multifactorial, oxidative stress has been implicated as a common causative
mechanism. The eye is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress as a result
of its high oxygen consumption, high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty
acids, and cumulative exposure to high-energy visible light. This combination
of factors leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that can trigger
oxidative damage to ocular tissues [1].
Consequently, there has been significant research interest
in the role of dietary antioxidants and the potential therapeutic benefits of
antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral supplements as a simple and cost-effective
strategy for disease prevention and/or control [1].
Our Formulation
Unived’s Eye Health contains a combination of carotenoids,
proanthocyanidins, vitamins, and minerals that exert a versatile mode of action
in promoting overall eye health.
Mode of Action:
1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two principal components that
build the macular pigment of the retina [2]. Has antioxidant properties and
protects retinal pigment from phototoxic light damage by acting as a filter for
harmful light rays [4]. Improves macular pigment optical density, thereby
reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) [5].
2. Grape seed extract protects eye cells from oxidative
stress [11]. Studies show that phytochemicals from grapes, like
proanthocyanidins, can help minimize various eye issues. This includes macular
degeneration, uvea issues, cataracts, red eye, diabetic retinopathy, retinal
thickening, and eye cell damage [12] [13]. Research indicates proanthocyanidins
are involved in reducing these eye defects [11].
3. Beta-carotene: A precursor to Vitamin A, plays a major
role in the pathways that are responsible for generating vision. May reduce the
risk of developing advanced AMD. Supports the function of the cornea, which is
the protective layer of the eye, and helps keep the eye lubricated, preventing
dry eyes [5] [6].
4. Zinc: This plays an important role in the metabolism of
the retina and the lens of the eye. Zinc is considered to have an interaction
with vitamin A in the generation of the visual pigments of the retina; night
blindness occurs with zinc deficiency even in the presence of adequate vitamin
A [6].
5. Vitamin C: Acts as
a powerful antioxidant and regenerates Vitamin E. Protects the retina against
light damage. Shown to reduce the risk of UV-induced cataracts [6].
6. Vitamin E: Benefits to ocular health include effects on
the expression and activities of molecules and enzymes in immune and
inflammatory cells [9]. Prevent oxidative damage and plays an important role in
maintaining a strong immune system in the eye [6].
7. Vitamin D: Studies demonstrate that vitamin D
significantly reduces signs of retinal inflammation [10].
8. Folate: Folate or Vitamin B9 plays a vital role in the
pathways that involve the breakdown of homocysteine levels thus preventing its
implications on eye health [11].
Reference
1. Lawrenson, John G., and Laura E. Downie. "Nutrition
and eye health." Nutrients 11.9 (2019): 2123.
2. Ribaya-Mercado, Judy D., and Jeffrey B. Blumberg.
"Lutein and zeaxanthin and their potential roles in disease
prevention." Journal of the American College of Nutrition 23.sup6 (2004):
567S-587S.
3. Stahl, W. "Macular carotenoids: lutein and
zeaxanthin." Nutrition and the Eye 38 (2005): 70-88.
4. Arunkumar, Ranganathan, Aruna Gorusupudi, and Paul S.
Bernstein. "The macular carotenoids: A biochemical overview."
Biochimica et biophysica acta (BBA)-Molecular and cell biology of lipids
1865.11 (2020): 158617.
5. Manzi, Fiona, et al. "The intake of carotenoids in
an older Australian population: The Blue Mountains Eye Study." Public
Health Nutrition 5.2 (2002): 347-352.
6. Brown, Nicholas A. Phelps, et al. "Nutrition
supplements and the eye." Eye 12.1 (1998): 127-133.
7. Rasmussen HM, Johnson EJ. Nutrients for the aging eye.
Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:741-8. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S45399. Epub 2013 Jun 19.
PMID: 23818772; PMCID: PMC3693724.
8. Lee V, Rekhi E, Hoh Kam J, Jeffery G. Vitamin D
rejuvenates aging eyes by reducing inflammation, clearing amyloid beta and
improving visual function. Neurobiol. Aging. 2012;33:2382–2389.
9. Tan, Ava Grace, et al. "Serum homocysteine, vitamin
B12, and folate, and the prevalence and incidence of posterior subcapsular
cataract." Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 56.1 (2015):
216-220.
10. Natarajan, Sithranga Boopathy, et al. "Ocular
promoting activity of grape polyphenols—A review." Environmental
toxicology and pharmacology 50 (2017): 83-90.
11. Jia, Zhiyan, et al. "Grape seed proanthocyanidin
extract protects human lens epithelial cells from oxidative stress via reducing
NF-кB and MAPK protein expression." Molecular vision 17 (2011): 210.
12. Sochorova, Lenka, et al. "Health effects of grape
seed and skin extracts and their influence on biochemical markers."
Molecules 25.22 (2020): 5311.
13. Moon, Sang Woong, et al. "Effect of grape seed
proanthocyanidin extract on hard exudates in patients with non-proliferative
diabetic retinopathy." Medicine 98.21 (2019): e15515.
