Eye Health

Age-related deterioration of eye health and increasingly poor vision affect millions of people annually.  Antioxidants and other nutrients play a critical role in maintaining, supporting and protecting good eyesight.

The eye is particularly susceptible to free radical production and oxidative stress, making antioxidants of critical importance.  Free radicals are abundantly created in retina cells because they are high in fatty acids, exposed to increased levels of oxygen, and experience intense and concentrated amounts of light.

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant that is produced by the body. SOD, along with catalase and L-glutathione peroxidase, are the body's primary internal antioxidant defense system and are the first, and most powerful, line of defense against oxidative stress.  This internal antioxidant defense system differs from secondary antioxidants that are obtained from dietary sources.  Together, SOD, catalase and L-glutathione peroxidase play an important role in disarming the superoxide anion, which are produced in very large quantities and can be transformed into the body's most deadly free radical, the hydroxyl radical, and are responsible for extensive cellular damage.  GliSODin® is a radically new approach to antioxidant supplementation.  Unlike secondary dietary antioxidants, GliSODn® works as an antioxidant catalyst, promoting the production of the body's own, primary antioxidants at the cellular level.  GliSODin® was specifically shown to protect cell health where cells were exposed to excessive amounts of oxygen. (Muth, et al. 2004)  In addition, Lutein and Zeaxanthin both have chemical structures that are highly adept at quenching singlet oxygen.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision impairment.  The risk of AMD increases with age, and studies have shown that the body produces less of important antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD) as it ages and more of free radical ROS (reactive oxygen species).  While blood levels of Beta-Carotene and Lycopene greatly exceed those of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, the only carotenes found in the eye are the latter.  The eye specifically selects Lutein and Zeaxanthin for their ability to block the absorption of high energy, damaging near UV blue light and their powerful free radical quenching potential.  Two major eye studies have established a link between serum levels of Lutein and Zeaxanthin. (Seddon et al. 1994; Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group, 1993)  Those with lowest intake had much higher risk of compromised eye health. (Chen, et al. 1999)

Vitamin C is the most important water-soluble biological antioxidant.  It scavenges both reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species.  Vitamin C also plays an important role in maintaining vitamin E.  Glutathione-related antioxidants include N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Riboflavin, which are either precursors or cofactors to Glutathione.  Glutathione is a nucleophilic scavenger and helps maintain other antioxidants like vitamin C.  Selenium and Zinc's main antioxidant functions are via glutathione peroxidase and SOD enzyme systems.

Quercetin and Rutin are phenolic antioxidants and have been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation.  Quercetin is a metabolite of Rutin.  Rutin may help maintain Glutathione and sponge up metal ions.  Taurine and Zinc are thought to stabilize cell membranes and confer membrane resistance to lipid peroxidation.