AREDS2 VISION DEFENDER AMD Supplement: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, Vitamin E – AREDS 2 Eye Vitamins, Minerals, Nutrients for Eyes. 3 Months Supply (90 tablets) One-A-Day Vegan Eye Supplement. Made in UK

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You have been told you have early signs of AMD in one or both eyes (your eye care professional may say that you have several small drusen or a few medium-sized drusen in one or both eyes). Recommendations: A supplement containing lutein 10mg, zeaxanthin 2mg, and meso-zeaxanthin 10mg, and/or a supplement containing DHA/EPA omega-3. Bilberryand pine bark extractsupplements should also be considered, either on their own, or in combination with the above recommendations. It is therefore scientifically one the best nutrient combinations for the maintenance of macular heath. Talk to your GP before taking supplements or making major changes to your diet, especially if you take other medications. People who take warfarin, for example, may need to avoid high doses of omega-3 as it thins the blood. Vitamins E and K may also interact with medicines like warfarin and aspirin. Not all supplements have sound clinical research to support their claims. Beware of any which claim to 'cure' macular degeneration.

Oxidants are thought to be partly responsible for the ageing process. In the eye they may contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by speeding up cell degeneration. Diet is important because certain nutrients protect the body from damaging substances called oxidants. Research and historic use have shown both bilberry and pine bark extract supplements beneficial in eye health. Analysis of the active constituents of bilberry and pine bark and observation of the favourable effects suggests that when both are taken together, they should work in synergy to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and hence useful in glaucoma. Multiple studies have shown that this indeed is the case [1] [2] [3]. Being natural in origin, there inevitably will be varying amounts of the beneficial compounds in bilberry and pine bark. Therefore it is important that the natural extracts are standardised. The studies showing improvement in IOP all involved a standardised extract of bilberry 80mg (standardised to 36% anthocyanins) and pine bark extract 40mg (standardised to 70% procyanidins). It is important to note that supplementation with bilberry and pine bark extract is not a replacement for conventional therapies – rather, it should be considered as a useful option to use alongside conventional therapies in the management of IOP and glaucoma.

A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is thought to be beneficial in keeping our eyes as heathy as possible. Fruit and vegetables are an important source of vitamins and minerals. The NHS advises we should eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. Vitamin E 400 IU: Vitamin E is an antioxidant, thought to protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the DNA. Here’s an example: “MacuXXXXX” (unfortunately we’re not allowed to name the product!) says it’s “AREDS 2 Plus Formula” contains a couple of herbal ingredients, plus the AREDS2 ingredients of lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C & E, zinc and copper. However, the daily dose of Vitamin E in MacuXXXXX is only 9IU – compare that to the 400IU recommended in AREDS2! That’s only 2.25% of what’s actually recommended! Early-stage AMD is always dry AMD. Late AMD is when you have wet AMD or dry AMD which has caused extensive scarring to the macula and significant changes to your sight. Wet AMD

Gaziano JM, Glynn RJ, et al. Vitamins E and C in the prevention of prostate and total cancer in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2009 Jan 7;301(1):52-62. doi: 10.1001/jama.2008.862. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19066368/ PREMIUM QUALITY, VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY – AREDS2 Vision Defender AMD is made in the UK using top-grade ingredients to strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards in MHRA inspected facilities, so you can be assured that this is a superior quality eye health supplement. All ingredients in this eye care supplement are from vegetable source and are free from artificial colours, flavours, lactose, gluten and GMO. Cruelty-free: Not tested on animals.

In the early stages of AMD, it is possible to have changes at the macula, which an optometrist or ophthalmologist can see when they examine your eye, but not have any problems with your sight. However, so far there’s no other research of the same quality to compare these results to, and so at present this is the only information we must go with regarding vitamin and mineral supplements and AMD. TRUST AND BENEFIT FROM THE SPECIALISTS - The trusted Vision Defender range of eye health supplements has been specially developed by qualified health care professionals to improve the health and vision of your eyes. Our Chief Pharmacist and Co-Founder Keith specialises in eye nutrition and has written a book: “Help! What Vitamins Should I Take for My Eyes?”. Our eyesight is precious and important in everything we do - continue to do all the things you love with Vision Defender. A supplement containing DHA/EPA omega-3 should also been considered – especially since taking 250mg DHA ‘contributes to the maintenance of normal vision’ and is an authorised EU health claim!

Be Proactive About Your Eye Health with VisuBright - The Comprehensive Solution for Proactive AMD Support. People who have a certain form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may benefit from a specific mix of vitamins and minerals. Taking these nutritional supplements might help slow this eye disease. Supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin have been shown to elevate MP density [1]. In particular, the CREST study showed taking lutein 10mg, zeaxanthin 2mg, and meso-zeaxanthin 10mg in participants who have no eye problems increased their macular pigment level, and improved their vision [2]. Some scientists believe that another macular carotenoid, meso-zeaxanthin, is also important for macular health. It is made by the body from lutein. It was not tested in the AREDS trials and not all scientists agree on its significance. More research is needed in this area.

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While we believe that taking supplements containing lutein may be beneficial to eye health, we do not endorse any brand. Smoking Zinc oxide 80 mg or 25 mg:Zinc is a trace mineral, thought to play an important role in the function of the retina. Zinc depletion results in difficulty with adapting to night vision and other reduced functions of the retina. Mares-Perlman JA, Fisher AI, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet and serum and their relation to age-related maculopathy in the third national health and nutrition examination survey. Am J Epidemiol. 2001 Mar 1;153(5):424-32. doi: 10.1093/aje/153.5.424. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11226974/

Seddon JM, Rosner B, Sperduto RD, et al. Dietary fat and risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(8):1191-9. doi:10.1001/archopht.119.8.1191. Play a vital role in retinal cell survival and are crucial for the normal functioning of antioxidant enzymes Another thing to consider is whether the supplement contain other ingredients NOT in the AREDS2 recommendations. Remember – only the AREDS and AREDS2 formula have been clinically proven to work. Many people with AMD have drusen. These alone do not cause vision loss. But when drusen grow in size or number, you are at risk for getting early or intermediate AMD. There are not always symptoms with these stages of AMD, though people with intermediate AMD might start to notice a blurred spot in their central vision.Talk with your ophthalmologist about whether nutritional supplements are recommended for you. Here are some topics to discuss: The second AREDS trial, AREDS2, looked at replacing beta-carotene with different antioxidants, lutein, and zeaxanthin. No link has been found between lung cancer and lutein and zeaxanthin for either current or ex-smokers. UK MANUFACTURING – Our manufacturing facilities are based in the UK and each capsule is made to the highest stringent quality and GMP compliance.