{"product_id":"clinicians-visioncare-with-lutein-60-capsules","title":"Clinicians VisionCare with Lutein | 60 Capsules","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClinicians VisionCare with Lutein \u003c\/h2\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What is VisionCare with Lutein?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r VisionCare with Lutein is a combination of natural scientifically tested ingredients that promote eye health. Loss of vision due to age related macular degeneration and cataracts are both common eye problems associated with increasing age. VisionCare with Lutein supports healthy eyes and vision as we age.\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r Why use VisionCare with Lutein?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Impaired vision or loss of vision is a common problem related to the aging process.  Two conditions in particular are responsible for age-related vision impairment; macular degeneration also known as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataracts.  Clinical studies have identified an effective formula comprising vitamins, minerals and the special eye pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, that can help slow the progression of these degenerative eye diseases and may even prevent them developing.  VisionCare with Lutein contains a combination of natural scientifically tested ingredients that promote eye health and supports healthy eyes and vision as we age.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Key Benefits of VisionCare with Lutein?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eScientifically tested ingredients that promote eye health \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eImproved formula with natural plant based ingredients for a healthy macula \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eHelps reduce or prevent age-related loss of vision\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSuitable to take with other medications\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eDoes not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eDoes not contain added colours, flavours, preservatives, gluten, wheat or dairy\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What is macular degeneration?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r The macular is the area of the retina at the back of the eye that contains a high concentration of light sensitive cells that are important for sharp central vision.  These cells send signals to the brain via the optic nerve, where they are translated into images.  If the macula becomes damaged, this can cause a blurred or distorted effect in the central field of vision and can eventually worsen to cause loss of sharp central vision, although peripheral vision is unaffected.  This condition is known as macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) as it is common in people over 50 and risk increases with age.  Other risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, exposure to strong sunlight and family history\u003csup\u003e1.\u003c\/sup\u003e  There are two forms of ARMD; the dry form, which is more common but rarerly results is complete loss of vision, and the wet form caused by leaky blood vessels that is less common but can rapidly progress to complete blindness.  Oxidative stress causing damage to the retina is thought to be a major contributor to the pathogenesis of ARMD particularly due to increased exposure of the eye to the sun’s ultraviolet rays\u003csup\u003e2.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Free radicle generation, causing oxidative stress is increased by several factors including aging, inflammation, smoking and irradiation\u003csup\u003e3.\u003c\/sup\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What are cataracts?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which causes vision to become blurred or cloudy.  The lens focuses light coming into the eye onto the retina at the back of the eye, where the image is formed, and also allows us to adjust our focus.  Risk of cataracts increases with age and can lead to blindness unless the lens is replaced by surgery.  Oxidative stress due to accumulation of free radicles in the less is thought to play a major role in cataract formation\u003csup\u003e4.  \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What does the science say?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Several studies have looked at the beneficial effects of various combinations of antioxidant vitamins (C and E), minerals (zinc and copper) and beta-carotenoids (natural plant and vegetable pigments) on slowing the progression of age-related loss of vision like macular degeneration and cataracts.  The summary of findings from this study indicates that a combination of antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow the progression of these eye diseases, and the addition of specific macula pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, has additional benefits in slowing or even preventing these diseases\u003csup\u003e5, 6.\u003c\/sup\u003e  The Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) looked into a possible role of vitamin and mineral supplements in ARMD.  The first study (AREDS 1) found that a formula containing vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and zinc was effective in delaying the progression of ARMD to more severe stages.  Copper was added to balance the possible copper depletion effect of high zinc levels\u003csup\u003e7, 8.\u003c\/sup\u003e  In a follow up study (AREDS 2) the two macular xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin (see below) were added to the original AREDS formula.  This study found that lutein and zeaxanthin added to the AREDS formula reduced the risk of developing advanced ARMD.  Beta carotene (which is a plant pigment that is converted to vitamin A once taken into the body) was not included in this formula, as at high doses it had been found to increase risk of lung cancer in smokers, which is particularly relevant as smoking is a high risk factor for ARMD and half the participants in the study were smokers at some point.  Also, lutein and zeaxanthin were also found to have a beneficial effect on cataract in a sub group of participants who had a low dietary intake\u003csup\u003e9, 10.\u003c\/sup\u003e  The outcomes of a s smaller trial known as the Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial (LAST) indicated that lutein alone or in combination with other nutrients improved visual function and symptoms of atrophic (dry) ARMD\u003csup\u003e11.\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the ingredients of VisionCare with Lutein?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Each gelatin capsule of VisionCare with Lutein contains:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAscorbic acid (Vitamin C)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t250mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003ed-alpha tocopheryl succinate (natural Vitamin E)\t\t\t200IU\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003e86mg Equivalent to dl-alpha tocopherol\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eZinc (from zinc amino acid chelate)\t\t\t\t\t7.5mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eCopper (from copper gluconate)\t\t\t\t\t\t1mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSelenomethionine (from L- selenomethionine)\t\t\t\t20mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eLutein esters (from a base of Xangold®10%)\t\t\t\t5mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eZeaxanthin Esters (from a base of Xangold®10% \u0026amp; Optisharp™5%) \t1mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r VisionCare with Lutein also contains encapsulating aids.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003eKey Ingredients:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Lutein and zeaxanthin:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Lutein and zeaxanthin are beta-carotenoids plant pigments that give fruit and vegetables their colour.  They are both found in green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach and broccoli; also brightly coloured fruit and vegetables like corn, pumpkin, capsicum and oranges12.  Lutein and zeaxanthin are collectively known as macular xanthophylls as they concentrate in the retina and are is found in high concentration in the macula of the eye\u003csup\u003e13.\u003c\/sup\u003e  The levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula have been found to correlate with the presence of ARMD.  Low levels are associated with ARMD12, whereas Increased levels of these pigments appear to correlate with decreased risk of AMD\u003csup\u003e14.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Taking dietary supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin was found to increase the macula and serum levels of these macular pigments\u003csup\u003e15, 16.\u003c\/sup\u003e  The bioavailability of various forms of lutein and zeaxanthin extracted from Marigold bloom were compared.  Marigold extracts in the form of diacetate esters were found to be more effective at raising macular pigment optical density, as a measure of accumulation in the retina, indicating that they are more readily absorbed and therefore, more bioavailable\u003csup\u003e16.\u003c\/sup\u003e  These macula pigments exert their protective effect on the macular by acting as short wavelength light filters, filtering out the damaging blue and ultraviolet wavelengths from light.  They are also powerful antioxidants and protect the retina from damage due to free radicals\u003csup\u003e15, 16. \u003c\/sup\u003e The accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula is thought to protect the retina from ARMD, and this has been supported by large scale clinical studies\u003csup\u003e9, 10.  \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Vitamins C and E:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Vitamin C is a water soluble antioxidant, found in many fruit and vegetables mainly oranges, capsicum, strawberries, broccoli, that plays a protective role in the body to prevent oxidative stress, a known pathogenic factor in many conditions including ARMD and cataracts.  Vitamin C acts as a free radicle scavenger to protect cells from damage caused by lipid peroxidation.  Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant, found mainly in nuts seeds, vegetables oils and green leafy vegetables, and is a peroxyl radical scavenger that prevents formation of free radicals in cell membranes.  Vitamin E exists in several forms, d-alpha tocopherol being the most bioavailable and more easily absorbed by the body.  dl-alpha tocopherol is the synthetic form of Vitamin E that is often used in supplements and is less bioavailable but is added in an amount equivalent to natural vitamin E.  A combination of vitamins C and E and other antioxidants are recommended to help reduce risk of eye diseases like ARMD and cataracts\u003csup\u003e17.  \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Zinc and copper:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Zinc and copper are both essential trace minerals only found in the diet.  Zinc is rich in foods like seafood (especially oysters), lean red meat, chicken, wholegrain cereals, beans, lentils, seeds, and dairy.  Copper is rich is shellfish, organ meats like liver, wholegrain cereals, beans, lentils and cocoa.  Zinc and copper both play an important catalytic role in the action of various antioxidant enzymes like copper\/zinc superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and in this capacity are thought to contribute to the body’s antioxidant defence system, which is an important factor in reducing risk of diseases where oxidative stress in an important factor in its pathogenesis.  Zinc also regulates expression of metallothionein, a small protein that binds strongly to metals like zinc and acts as a free radicle scavenger and has anti-inflammatory properties, which also helps reduce oxidative stress3\u003csup\u003e, 18, 19.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Zinc is concentrated in the retina of the eye and reduced levels of zinc in the retina are associated with increased risk of ARMD\u003csup\u003e20, 21.   \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003eSelenomethionine:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Selenium is an important trace element that cannot be synthesised in the body and can only be obtained from the diet.  Selenium is rich in cereal grains, soybeans, legumes and Brazil nuts.  The amount of selenium in the soil varies and in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, is very low.  Selenium plays an important role in human health including protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation\u003csup\u003e22.\u003c\/sup\u003e  It is required for activity of an antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase that is concentrated in the lens of the eye and some studies suggest that selenium supplementation may reduce risk of cataract formation\u003csup\u003e23.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Selenomethionine is an organic form of selenium that is easier for the body to utilise as a supplement.    \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Contraindications\/Interactions of VisionCare with Lutein?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r You should always check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.  Stop using if you develop any irritation or allergy while taking VisionCare with Lutein.  Always read the label and use as directed or seek advice from your healthcare professional.\u003cbr\u003e\r VisionCare with Lutein is considered safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, however, if you have any concerns you should consult with your doctor or health professional before you start taking VisionCare.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Caution:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r No beneficial effects of adding antioxidant to treatments for cardiovascular disease have been found.  A combination of the antioxidant vitamins C and E were found to reduce the expected rise in HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the artery walls and transports it back to the liver to be metabolised and excreted; also apolipoprotein A1, which is the main protein component of HDL cholesterol\u003csup\u003e24.\u003c\/sup\u003e  If you are taking a cholesterol lowering statin medication, you are advised to consult with your doctor or health professional before you start taking VisionCare with Lutein. \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Interactions with VisionCare with Lutein?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline, proton pump inhibitors for reflux like the H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine and the anti-rheumatic drug penicillamine, reduce absorption of zinc and copper; take VisionCare with Lutein either 2 hours before or after. \u003cbr\u003e\r Dietary fibre (phytate) also affects zinc absorption, avoid eating high fibre containing foods at the same time as taking VisionCare with Lutein\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Directions for using VisionCare with Lutein?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Dosage:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Take one capsule swallowed whole with a glass of water, twice daily with food, preferably at the same time each day. \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003eProduct Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e60 Capsules\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r References\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r The following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003col\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eChakravarthy U, Wong TY, Fletcher A, Piault E, Evans C, et al. Clinical risk factors for age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis.  BMC Ophthalmology 2010, 10:31.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eJarrett S, Boulton ME. Consequences of oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration.  Mol Aspects Med. 2012 August; 33(4): 399–417\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSchmidl D, Garhofer G, Schmetterer L.  Nutritional supplements in age-related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmologica 2015 93: 105–121. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eVinson JA.  Oxidative stress in cataracts. Pathophysiology 13 (2006) 151–162 \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eEvans JR, Lawrenson JG.  Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.  Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2017 Jul 31;7:CD000254. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eTan JS, Wang JJ, Flood V, Rochtchina E, Smith W, Mitchell P. Dietary antioxidants and the longer-term incidence of age-related macular degeneration: the Blue-Mountains Eye Study. Ophthalmol. 2008; 115(2):334–341. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAge-Related Eye Disease Study Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001; 119(10):1417–1436.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eChew EY, Clemons TE, Agrón E, Sperduto RD, Sangiovanni JP, Kurinij N, Davis MD, Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. Long-term effects of vitamins C and E, β-carotene, and zinc on age-related macular degeneration: AREDS report no. 35. Ophthalmology 2013 Aug;120(8):1604-11.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAREDS2 Research Group, Chew EY, Clemons T, SanGiovanni JP, Danis R, Domalpally A, McBee W, Sperduto R, Ferris FL. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2): study design and baseline characteristics (AREDS2 report number 1). Ophthalmology 2012 Nov;119(11):2282-9.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAge-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group. Chew EY, Clemons TE, Sangiovanni JP, Danis RP, Ferris FL, Elman MJ, Antoszyk AN, Ruby AJ, Orth D, Bressler SB, Fish GE, Hubbard GB, Klein ML, Chandra SR, Blodi BA, Domalpally A, Friberg T, Wong WT, Rosenfeld PJ, Agrón E, Toth CA Bernstein PS, Sperduto RD. Secondary analyses of the effects of lutein\/zeaxanthin on age-related macular degeneration progression: AREDS2 report No. 3. JAMA Ophthalmol 2014 Feb;132(2):142-9. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eRicher S, Stiles W, Statkute L, Pulido J, Frankowski J, et al. Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial). Optometry 75 (2004) 216–230. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eStahl W, Sies H.  Bioactivity and protective effects of natural carotenoids.  Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1740 (2005) 101 – 107\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSommerburg O, J, Keunen J, Bird A, van Kuijk F J G M. Fruits and vegetables that are sources for lutein and zeaxanthin: the macular pigment in human eyes. Br J Ophthalmol. 1998 Aug; 82(8): 907–910.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAhmed SS, Lott MN, Marcus DM. The macular xanthophylls. Surv Ophthalmol 2005 Mar-Apr;50(2):183-93. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eBone RA, Landrum JT, Guerra LH, Ruiz CA. Lutein and zeaxanthin dietary supplements raise macular pigment density and serum concentrations of these carotenoids in humans. J Nutr 2003;133(4):992–8.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eBone RA, Landrum JT, Mukherjee A. Efficacy of Diacetate Esters of Macular Carotenoids: Effect of Supplementation on Macular Pigment. J Nutr Metab.2018 Mar 1;2018:4632081. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eTrabera MG, Stevens JF.  Vitamins C and E: Beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective.  Free Radic Biol Med. 2011 September 1; 51(5): 1000–1013.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003ePrasad AS. Discovery of human zinc deficiency: its impact on human health and disease. Advances in Nutrition. Adv Nutr. 2013;4(2):176-90. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Volume 2018, Article ID 9156285. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eLee SR.  Critical Role of Zinc as Either an Antioxidant or a Prooxidant in Cellular Systems. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eUgarte M, Osborne NN.  Recent advances in the understanding of the role of zinc in ocular tissues. Metallomics.2014 Feb;6(2):189-200. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eUgarte M, Osborne NN, Brown LA, Bishop PN. Iron, zinc, and copper in retinal physiology and disease. Surv Ophthalmol.2013 Nov-Dec;58(6):585-609. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eRayman MP. Selenium and human health. Lancet. 2012 Mar 31;379(9822):1256-68.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eChristen WG, Glynn RJ, Gaziano JM, Darke AK, Crowley JJ, Goodman PJ, Lippman SM, Lad TE, Bearden JD, Goodman GE, Minasian LM, Thompson IM, Blanke CD, Klein EA. Age-related cataract in men in the selenium and vitamin e cancer prevention trial eye endpoints study: a randomized clinical trial.  JAMA Ophthalmol 2015 Jan;133(1):17-24.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eKris-Etherton PM, Lichtenstein AH, Howard BV, Steinberg D, Witztum JL, Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism. Antioxidant vitamin supplements and cardiovascular disease. Circulation.2004 Aug 3;110(5):637-41.\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ol\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clinicians","offers":[{"title":"60 Capsules","offer_id":31177741336621,"sku":"00391-60caps","price":34.74,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/9954\/6157\/products\/1120304.jpg?v=1573461282","url":"https:\/\/nz-nutristrong.myshopify.com\/products\/clinicians-visioncare-with-lutein-60-capsules","provider":"NZ NutriStrong","version":"1.0","type":"link"}