The eye is a highly complex organ that must safely harvest, control, focus, and react to light in order to produce vision. Light enters the anterior portion of the eye through the clear cornea and fluid-like aqueous humor, and is then focused by the clear lens before entering the gel-like vitreous. It must pass through a nerve layer of ganglions connected to photoreceptors (both rods and cones) where light signals are converted to electrical signals that are transported to the brain. Behind the photoreceptors are the “nursemaids” called retinal pigmented epithelium cells that feed and remove toxic waste from the constantly active photoreceptors. The retinal pigmented epithelium cells rest on a thin, connective, tissue-like support structure called Bruch’s membrane, which also serves to create a blood-brain barrier for transport of nutrients, waste products, and critical oxygen. The macular region of the human retina is yellow in color due to the presence of the macular pigment, composed of two dietary xanthophylls, lutein and zeaxanthin, and another xanthophyll, meso-zeaxanthin. The latter is formed from lutein in the retina. By absorbing blue-light, the macular pigment protects the underlying photoreceptor cell layer from light damage, possibly initiated by the formation of reactive oxygen species during a photosensitized reaction. The macular pigment can be increased by either increasing the intake of foods that are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, such as dark-green leafy vegetables, or by supplementation with lutein or zeaxanthin.
Carotenoids have been proposed to be potent antioxidants, protecting membrane lipids from toxic peroxidation reactions. Scientists long ago discovered that the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, help protect the macula and photoreceptor outer segments throughout the retina from photo-initiated oxidative damage. New research has uncovered a third carotenoid, meso-zeaxanthin, that the aging macula requires to maintain its structural density.
The macular pigment is made up of the following three carotenoids:
Unlike lutein and zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin is not found in the diet, but is converted in the retina from ingested lutein. If taken as a supplement, meso-zeaxanthin is absorbed into the blood stream and effectively increases macular pigment levels.
Directions: Take one softgel daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Ingredients: 1 softgel supplies:
OptiLut® and Lutein Plus with MZ® Marigold (Tagetes erecta) Extract (flower) [free lutein equivalent 10 mg] 38 mg,
Zeaxanthin & Meso-zeaxanthin blend (micronized zeaxanthin, OptiLut® Marigold and Lutein Plus with MZ® Marigold Extract) 3.75 mg.
Other Ingredients: soybean oil, gelatin shell (gelatin, glycerine, annatto, and water), beeswax, lecithin.
Contains soybeans. This product contains NO milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, or rice. Contains NO sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Warning: Do not take with fiber supplements.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.
