Retinex contains the powerful antioxidant lutein which has been shown to protect the eyes from Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Good eyesight is something we all take for granted - until the day we start to lose it. There are however, nutritional steps that we can take to help maintain good eye health. A natural antioxidant substance called Lutein, a carotenoid, that is found in fruit and vegetables has been shown in clinical trials to help protect against retinal damage.
In the eye, Lutein is deposited mainly in the lens and in the central retina (the macula) where it is partly converted into Zeaxanthin. As an antioxidant, Lutein is believed to protect the eyes from destructive oxidation by quenching free radicals and filtering out high-energy blue light that can damage the macula. Research has shown that Lutein can reduce the risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration or 'AMD' which is an incurable condition affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the UK. AMD is a slow, progressive and painless disease that affects the macula. As we grow older, cells in the macula can become damaged. It rarely causes total blindness but with time can lead to a circular area of blindness in the centre of the visual field.
A recent study carried out by S. Richter showed a 50% increase in Macular Pigment Optical Density in patients over a 12 month period using 10mg of Lutein a day, the level used in this Healthspan formula (1). One Healthspan tablet contains 10mg of natural, purified lutein providing 440mcg zeaxanthin.
1 The Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial; ARVO, Richter et al. (2002).