Lutein, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements for Eye Health: How to Choose Them Well and Contribute to Normal Eye Function and Vision?
Our eyes are key organs, the seat of vision essential to our daily lives. As we age, and under the stress of external elements such as UV rays, blue light, dust, and pollution, our eyes can age prematurely. As with other bodily functions, it is possible to maintain good eye health by taking vision supplements, also known as "eye supplements." However, it is important to choose them wisely, ensuring they contain the right nutrients.
Why take dietary supplements for vision?
Dietary supplements cannot replace a varied and balanced diet, but they are useful for eye care, particularly for providing vitamins, but especially for supplying antioxidants and carotenoid pigments. Eye supplements can help prevent or reduce the negative effects of eye diseases and eye strain. They contain nutrients beneficial to vision, such as carotenoids, vitamins C, E, and D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements specifically designed for the eyes can help relieve dry eye symptoms. With the right ingredients, dietary supplements can contribute to reducing the risk of developing certain age-related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What nutrients are important in eye supplements?
What are the best vitamins for the eyes?
Several vitamins are beneficial for the eyes, first and foremost vitamin A, but we do not recommend consuming it through food supplements because it can cause problems in certain categories of people, just like Beta carotene.
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help protect the eyes and should be included in your vision supplement. B vitamins are also essential, especially as we age and in the case of specific diets such as veganism. Among these vitamins, vitamin B2, or ribofalvin, is crucial for maintaining normal vision.
Dietary supplements intended for eye health must contain carotenoid pigments
Carotenoid pigments are natural substances found in plants, vegetables, and fruits. They are responsible for the yellow, orange, or red color of these foods. These pigments have numerous health benefits, particularly for vision and the prevention of certain eye diseases.
Carotenoids are found in foods such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and fruits like mangoes, oranges, and kiwis. However, it can sometimes be difficult to consume enough carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables to obtain the amounts necessary for healthy vision. That's why eye supplements can be a practical and effective way to provide these nutrients to your body.
The primary role of carotenoid pigments in the eye is to protect retinal cells from damage caused by free radicals, substances that can damage eye tissues and lead to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts. Carotenoid pigments act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and thus preventing cellular damage.
Several studies have shown that consuming carotenoids can help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A study conducted by Inserm revealed that regular carotenoid consumption could reduce the risk of developing AMD by 35%. Researchers also found that consuming leafy green vegetables rich in carotenoids, such as spinach and kale, was particularly beneficial for eye health.
It is important to emphasize that carotenoids cannot cure age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or other eye diseases. However, they can help prevent their onset and slow their progression. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly consume foods rich in carotenoids to maintain good eye health.
There are also dietary supplements containing carotenoid pigments that can be helpful for people who don't get enough of these nutrients in their diet. However, it's important to choose a high-quality supplement, preferably in capsule form, to ensure optimal absorption of the carotenoids by the body. It's also important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement, as they can interact with certain medications or have adverse effects.
For more information on carotenoid pigments, please refer to our article dedicated to carotenoids .
What other nutrients should be present in a dietary supplement for eye health?
In addition to carotenoids and vitamins, other nutrients can be beneficial for eye health. Zinc, selenium, and copper are trace elements that are often included in dietary supplements designed to support vision.
Zinc is an essential mineral for cell growth and division, including that of the retina. It is also important for the transport of vitamin A in the eye, which is crucial for night vision. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, zinc is associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that can cause central vision loss.
Selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also important for a healthy immune system. Studies have shown that selenium may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Other substances are also relevant to supporting vision, including Glutathione, which is an excellent antioxidant and helps protect against free radicals and oxidative stress.
What is the role of Omega 3 in vision supplements?
Omega-3 fatty acids, and in particular DHA, contribute to maintaining normal vision. DHA is considered an essential fatty acid that must be obtained through diet. However, it is not essential to find it in vision supplements. At Phytocea , we have chosen to offer customized omega-3 supplements based on the user's needs and diet.
But whatever the case, make sure you have a good intake of omega-3 in your diet; they are necessary for the good health of your eyes, but also of your brain and your cardiovascular system.
What is the best dietary supplement for the eyes?
A tricky question indeed! Of course, we're tempted to say it's ours because, in our opinion, it is, but we can only encourage you to compare the different offers and choose according to your needs. Keep in mind that it should contain at least the following: carotenoid pigments, primarily lutein, zinc, and antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
At Phytocea, we have developed ORétine. ORétine is a high-quality eye-focused food supplement developed based on leading scientific reports and clinical studies, such as the AREDS studies. We have selected the finest ingredients to create an ideal formula: carotenoids (astaxanthin, lutein), antioxidants (such as glutathione, vitamins C and E, and selenium), as well as a range of vitamins in just the right amounts to support the body's functions. To these ingredients, we have added plant extracts known for their positive effects on vision and circulation, including grape seed and bilberry extracts. All of this has resulted in an exceptional supplement, useful for taking care of your vision as well as the rest of your body. You can find it in our product catalog under the " Eye & Vision " section.
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