Carnosine for Good Vision
Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally-occurring
dipeptide that was discovered in Russia in 1900. Because much of the
research with carnosine was performed in Russia, it has been largely
unavailable to Western scientists until recently. Carnosine has
demonstrated efficacy in promoting eye health. Among other things,
Carnosine helps restore the proteins in the lens, and is thought to
function as a "molecular water pump"1. Carnosine has been shown to
reduce the risk of cross-linking between glucose and protein.
Cross-linking is a process in which protein and glucose starts
sticking together which increases the risk of eye degeneration.
Visible Age-Defying Benefits
In a recent article in International Anti-Aging Systems, Dr. Marios
Kyriazis reported that his patients who take carnosine supplements
often receive comments that they simply look younger. This may be a
reflection of the phenomenon observed in experiments which show that
carnosine actually rejuvenates older cells in culture2, and in other
experiments in which carnosine prevented the development of visible
features of aging.3 In another recent article, Russian scientists
reported that not only did the carnosine-fed mice appear much more
youthful than controls, but experienced a 20% increase in lifespan.4
Carnosine is extremely non-toxic and safe, and acts synergistically
when taken with other antioxidants.
Astaxanthin - A Powerful
Antioxidant and Eye Support
Astaxanthin is a powerful, bioactive anti-oxidant from microalgae,
and has demonstrated efficacy in supporting good vision and eye
health. Astaxanthin has been shown to be a powerful quencher of
singlet oxygen activity5, and is a strong scavenger of oxygen free
radicals, at least ten times stronger than beta-carotene.6*
Experiments with red blood cells and mitochondria from rats have
shown that Astaxanthin is 100 times more effective at inhibiting
lipid peroxidation than is vitamin E (Miki 1991).* Other tests have
shown that astaxanthin is up to 1000 times more powerful than
Vitamin E.7* A recent study shows that Astaxanthin is effective at
protecting the retinal, and that it is also effective at protecting
photoreceptors.8* Astaxanthin was found to easily cross the
blood-brain barrier (unlike beta-carotene).*
New Hope for Good Vision and Eye
Health
Vitamins C, E, Beta carotene and Zinc can significantly cut the risk
of vision and eye concerns, says a recent groundbreaking study. If
everyone took these supplements, more than 250,000 Americans would
be saved from potential eye challenges over the next 5 years, says
Frederick Ferris of the National Eye Institute. No other treatment
has been shown to protect our vision this much. This is a rather
remarkable finding, says Paul Sieving, director of the eye
institute.
The study, reported in the Archives
of Ophthalmology, involved 4,757 people, 55 to 80 years old. The
supplements combining antioxidants and zinc cut the risk of the
potential eye concerns by about 25%. Gerald Chader, chief scientific
officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness in Owings Mills, Md.,
says the new findings are tremendously going to improve the quality
of life for a number of people.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Protecting your vision and eye health and prevention of potential
eye challenges is of paramount importance. Lutein and Zeaxanthin
protect the macula region of the eye (the area responsible for
detailed vision) from free radical damage and retard age-related eye
concerns. Increasing intake of them help promote macular density in
your eyes which is important.
Rutin and Quercetin
These bioflavonoids are excellent antioxidants utilized in the body
to enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C, and help strengthen the
walls of the intricate blood vessels in the eye.*
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that is important for the maintenance of
healthy tissues of the retina. It helps protect the eyes from
harmful effects of ultraviolet light.*
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
Some practitioners suggest taking NAC because it is a major
glutathione precursor. Glutathione has antioxidant activity and may
promote healthy eyes, and is crucial in possibly protecting against
free radical damage.* Some studies have shown that many lenses of
unhealthy eyes contain approximately 1/5th the amount of glutathione
as compared to normal lenses.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like antioxidant, and is
sometimes referred to as the universal antioxidant, because it is
soluble in both fat and water.10 Alpha lipoic acid supports good
vision and eye health.* According to Lester Packer, a leading
scientist who has researched free radicals, "Alpha lipoic acid could
have far-reaching consequences in the search for prevention and
therapy of chronic degenerative diseases...." Several other benefits
of lipoic acid regarding eye and vision protection involve its
ability to regenerate and increase Vitamins C and E in the body.
These vitamins are important naturally-occurring, free-radical
scavengers.11
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo is a powerful herbal extract that may increase the
circulation of blood to the eyes.* It has been shown in some cases
to help lower intraocular pressure in the eyes. Ginkgo has
antioxidant activity, improves arterial blood flow and enhances
cellular metabolism. Its known for its age-defying properties which
may support good vision and eye health.
Bilberries for Good Night Vision
Bilberry fruits have long been pressed into jam in Europe and Asia,
and were first used for good vision during World War II. Just before
their nighttime flights over the English Channel to bomb targets on
the mainland, British pilots found that tea and crumpets including a
bilberry spread, helped them see better. Subsequent research
suggested that the bioflavonoids in bilberries support good vision
and eye health. Many doctors are now recommending bilberry for those
concerned about potential eye challenges.
The bioflavonoids in Bilberry have
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and strengthen the
structural integrity of blood vessels throughout the body and
promote healthy circulation, particularly to the small capillaries
that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the eyes.* Bilberry also helps
prevent free radical damage to the delicate structures within the
eye.* Bilberry may help your night vision and adaptation to the
dark, and promote visual acuity and capillary integrity.* Bilberry
may help your night vision (especially noticeable while driving) and
makes reading, computer use, and other activities easier on your
eyes.*
●[1] Baslow, MH. Function of the
N-acetyl-L-histidine system in the vertebrate eye. Evidence in
support of a role as a molecular water pump. J Mol Neurosci, 1998,
10(3), 193-208.
●[2] McFarland, GA, Holliday, R.
Retardation of the senescence of cultured human diploid fibroblasts
by carnosine. Exp Cell Res, 1994, 212(2): 167-75.
●[3] Boldyrev, AA, Gallant, SC,
Suhkich, GT. Carnosine, the protective, anti-aging peptide. Biosci
Rep, 1999, 19 (6), 581-7.
●[4] Yuneva, M.O., Bulygina, E.R.,
Gallant, S.C., et al. Effect of carnosine on age-induced changes in
senescence-accelerated mice. J Anti-Aging Medicine, 2: 1999,
337-342.
●[5] DiMascio, P., T.P.A.
Devasagayam, S. Kaiser, and H. Sies. 1990. Carotenoids, tocopherols
and thiols as biological singlet molecular oxygen quenchers. Trans.
Biochem. Soc. 18: 1054-1056.
●[6] Miki, W. 1991. Biological
functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure & Appl. Chem.
63: 141-146.
●[7] Tso, M.O.M., and T.-T. Lam.
1996. Method of retarding and ameliorating central nervous system
and eye damage. U.S. Patent #5527533.
●[8] Tso, M.O.M., and T.-T. Lam.
1996. Method of retarding and ameliorating central nervous system
and eye damage. U.S. Patent #5527533.
●[9] Hammond, B.R., et al., "Dietary
Modification of Human Macular Pigment Density" Investigative
Opthalmology & Visual Science.
●[10] Kagan V, Khan S, Swanson C,
Shevedova A, Serbinova E, and Packer L. Antioxidant action of
thioctic acid and dihydrolipoic acid. Free Rad Biol Med 1990;9S:15.
●[11] Kagan VE, Shvedova A,
Serbinova E, Khan S, Swanson C, Powell R, Packer L. Dihydrolipoic
acid - a universal antioxidant both in the membrane and in the
aqueous phase. Reduction of peroxyl, ascorbyl and chromanoxyl
radicals. Biochem Pharmacol 1992 Oct 20;44(8):1637-49.
*This
statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease.
