Monograph

If you have a difficult time reading this description, you may benefit from NUTRAscriptives® NUTRA Eye. Visual ailments can increase with age, as the leading cause of blindness in the United States is age-related macular degeneration. Vision health can be encouraged by replenishing nutrients that are naturally found in the eye. NUTRA Eye is a great nutritional combination to benefit vision health.
 

Description

NUTRAscriptives® NUTRA Eye includes high-quality ingredients for eye support: N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine and Alpha Lipoic Acid boost the body’s glutathione levels, which detoxifies the aqueous fluid in the inner eye; L-Taurine aids proper nerve function; Astaxanthin is a strong carotenoid that easily penetrates the central nervous system; Lutein and Lycopene are valuable to macula, retina, and lens health; Bilberry Extract contains phytochemicals, which help diminish visual ailments.

Research

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Antioxidants are crucial to eye health, as they fight off the accumulation of oxidative stress to keep vision intact. A combination of antioxidants, which includes ALA, inhibited the death of cone and rod cells that are associated with seeing a spectrum of colors and light.[1]

As a producer of glutathione, ALA is beneficial in protecting the eyes from protein buildup in the lens that causes blurred vision.[2] One study found that 75 mg/day of ALA for two months or 150 mg/day of ALA for one month can be effective in protecting the optic nerve and stabilizing fluid pressure in the eye.[3]

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant activity that protects cells from oxidative stress. Astaxanthin has superoxide-scavenging activity that is beneficial to the human retina, as it reduced DNA damage in UVA-irradiated cells.[4]

One study found astaxanthin supplementation inhibited inflammation in the eye, which can lead to deterioration of central vision.[5] Astaxanthin reduced inflammation in the eye by restraining the production of proteins that promote ocular inflammation.[6] In addition, an animal study suggested astaxanthin's antioxidant activity suppressed the formation of oxidative stress to reduce inflammation.[7]

A twelve-month study evaluated the effects of carotenoids and antioxidants on inhibiting degeneration in the central retina. Twenty-seven patients took carotenoid and antioxidant supplements or a placebo finding the treatment group had greater improvement in vision quality.[8]

Bilberry

Bilberry has high levels of anthocyanins, which are chemical compounds that give fruits and vegetables their rich colors. As part of the antioxidant-rich flavonoid family, Bilberry's anthocyanins benefit blood flow throughout the body and offer strong defenses against oxidative stress.[9]

A reduction in glutathione levels effects antioxidant activity negatively contributing to vision ailments. Compromised antioxidant defenses increase the formation of free radicals, poor circulation, and ocular pressure. Various antioxidants, including Bilberry extract, improve circulation and vision quality.[10]

Free radical proliferation in the eye contributes to vision deterioration in older individuals. Antioxidants scavenge for free radicals to protect cells from oxidative damage. Bilberry reduced inhibited vision deterioration in rats taking the extract for 1 ½ to 3 months by reducing lipid peroxidation in the retina.[11]

L-Taurine

As a sulfur-based amino acid, L-Taurine is necessary for normal retinal and brain development. L-Taurine deficiencies can lead to photoreceptor damage in the retina that causes vision impairment.[12] The administration of L-Taurine was used as an aid to improve visual acuity among 25 subjects that underwent eye surgery. Significant outcomes in vision were found in three to six months of treatment.[13]

Furthermore, L-Taurine may alleviate excessive fluid pressure in the eye. Rabbits were given L-Taurine and L-Arginine to observe the effects of these amino acids on reducing fluid pressure in the eye. Results indicated that this mixture decreased fluid pressure within 2 to 24 hours.[14]

Lutein

Lutein, a yellow pigment in the carotenoid family, has antioxidant properties that are valuable to the macular region of the eye. Specifically, lutein filters out high-energy blue light (part of visible light spectrum) that increases the formation of free radicals in the eyes.

Various studies have indicated lutein reduced the onset of age-related vision ailments by protecting macular pigment.[15] Lutein (15 mg, 3x/week) was given to patients with clouded, blurry vision for two years. The long-term use had no side effects and vision improved, suggesting lutein benefits visual performance.[16]

Individuals between 18 and 75 years old (376 subjects) were recruited to review eye health's association with lutein and zeaxanthin levels (both carotenoids). Results indicated greater levels of lutein and zeaxanthin could inhibit the deterioration of the lens and support eye health.[17]

A twelve-month study gave 91 patients with vision ailments a lutein supplement, lutein with other vitamins, or a placebo. Results indicated the both Lutein groups had an increase in optical density and improved visual acuity, while the placebo group showed no effects.[18]

A 26-week trial recruited individuals with retinal ailments to take lutein supplementation. Researchers found that vision improved in participants 2 to 4 weeks after supplementation began, and plateaued at 6 to 14 weeks. Improvements were especially seen among individuals with blue-eyes, in comparison to dark-eyed subjects.[19]

Lycopene (LYC-O-MATO®)

Lycopene, a carotenoid, is a plant-based antioxidant that scavenges free radicals to protect cells from oxidative damage. Lycopene deters the progression of age-related vision problems by protecting the retina from the proliferation of oxidative stress.[20] Weak antioxidant mechanisms are attributed to the formation of free radicals and vision degeneration. Lycopene aids the restoration of antioxidant activity and protects the lens from oxidative damage.[21]

One study reviewed the benefits of antioxidants in patients with retinal abnormalities finding individuals with low lycopene levels were more likely to have retinal deterioration.[22]

By restoring glutathione levels, lycopene is valuable to eye health.[23] Lycopene's antioxidant activity restored glutathione levels and reduced lipid peroxidation in the eyes. Only 35% of rats receiving lycopene developed eye ailments, while 100% of the rats in the control group developed vision problems.[24]

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), a derivative of the amino acid L-Cysteine, has antioxidant activity that protects against lipid peroxidation and promotes glutathione production (essential antioxidant in every cell).

Inflammation in the center of the eye leads to visual deterioration. NAC was given to rats with middle-eye inflammation finding the antioxidant reduced the activity of inflammation-causing proteins.[25] Furthermore, NAC improved the function of lysosomal proteins, enzymes that discard oxidative byproducts, in the retina to prevent visual ailments.[26]

NAC and catalase were used to block oxidative injury in rats' eyes finding these antioxidants prevented blurring or thickening of the lens.[27] NAC may also protect lens transparency and function from oxidative damage by boosting the production of glutathione in the eyes.[28]

NAC has been observed as an aid in lubricating dry eyes. One study compared a topical NAC to artificial tears in 30 patients experiencing dry, burning eyes. Results indicated individuals that applied NAC had more effective results than patients using artificial tears.[29]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take two capsules daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Up to 600 mg per day (based on G.I. tolerance)

Astaxanthin – 4 mg per day

Bilberry – Up to 200 mg per day (50 mg anthocyanosides)

L-Taurine – Up to 3,000 mg per day

Lutein – Up to 20 mg per day (actual Lutein)

Lycopene (LYC-O-MATO®) – Up to 30 mg per day (actual Lycopene)

N-Acetyl-Cysteine – Up to 1,800 mg per day in divided doses

Precautions

The maximum safe dosages of the supplements in this formula have not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Those with B-12 deficiency should avoid ALA, as should pregnant women and nursing mothers. Individuals with diabetes should have their blood glucose monitored while taking ALA to avoid possible hypoglycemia.

Astaxanthin - There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Bilberry – Digestive complaints have been reported due to a high tannin content.

L-Taurine - Individuals with congestive heart failure, pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult their physician before taking supplements with L-Taurine.

Lutein - There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Lycopene (LYC-O-MATO®) – There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) - Individuals with asthma should consult a physician prior to taking supplements with NAC.

Drug Interactions

Consult a physician before taking NUTRA Eye, as the following key nutrients may interact with certain medications.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Anti-diabetic medications (ALA may lower blood glucose levels).

Astaxanthin - There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Bilberry – Blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin, etc.)

L-Taurine – Bleomycin (L-Taurine may ameliorate pulmonary side effects)

Lutein - There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Lycopene (LYC-O-MATO®) – Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Orlistat (decrease lycopene absorption)

N-Acetyl-Cysteine – Nitrates, Carbamazepine

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Komeima K, Rogers BS, Lu L, Campochiaro PA. Antioxidants reduce cone cell death in a model of retinitis pigmentosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Jul 25; 103(30):11300-11305.

[2] Maitra I, Serbinova E, Trischler H, Packer L. Alpha-lipoic acid prevents buthionine sulfoximine-induced cataract formation in newborn rats. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995 Apr; 18(4): 823-829.

[3] Filina AA, Davydova NG, Endrikhovskii SN, Shamshinova AM. Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma. Vestn Oftalmol. 1995 Oct; 111(4):6-8.

[4] Santocono M, Zurria M, Berrettini M, et al. Influence of astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and Lutein on DNA damage and repair in UVA-irradiated cells. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2006 Dec 1; 85(3):205-215.

[5] Izumi-Nagai K, Nagai N, Ohgami K, et al. Inhibition of choroidal neovascularization with an anti-inflammatory carotenoid astaxanthin. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 Apr; 49(4):1679-1685.

[6] Suzuki Y, Ohgami K, Shiratori K, et al. Suppressive effects of astaxanthin against rat endotoxin-induced uveitis by inhibiting the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. Exp Eye Res. 2006 Feb; 82(2):275-281.

[7] Ohgami K, Shiratori K, Kotake S, et al. Effects of astaxanthin on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003 Jun; 44(6):2694-2701.

[8] Parisi V, Tedeschi M, Gallinaro G, et al. Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy italian study: multifocal electroretinogram modifications after 1 year. Ophthalmology. 2008 Feb; 115(2):324-333.

[9] Mozaffarieh M, Flammer J. Is there more to glaucoma treatment than lowering IOP? Surv Ophthalmol. 2007 Nov; 52 Suppl 2:S174-179.

[10] Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Apr; 6(2):141-166.

[11] Fursova AZh, Gesarevich OG, Gonchar AM, et al. Dietary supplementation with bilberry extract prevents macular degeneration and cataracts in senesce-accelerated OXYS rats. Adv Gerontol. 2005; 16:76-79.

[12] Schmidt SY, Berson EL, Hayes KC. Retinal degeneration in cats fed casein. I. Taurine deficiency. Invest Ophthalmol. 1976 Jan; 15(1):47-52.

[13] Yoeruek E, Jägle H, Lüke M, et al. Safety profile of a Taurine containing irrigation solution (AcriProTect) in pars plana vitrectomy. Retina. 2007 Nov-Dec; 27(9):1286-1291.

[14] Veselovský J, Oláh Z, Veselá A. Intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits after application of amino acids Taurine and arginine with betablocker timolol. Cesk Slov Oftalmol. 2007 Sep; 63(5):320-324.

[15] Alves-Rodrigues A, Shao A. The science behind Lutein. Toxicol Lett. 2004 Apr 15; 150(1):57-83.

[16] Olmedilla B, Granado F, Blanco I, Vaquero M. Lutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: a 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nutrition. 2003 Jan; 19(1):21-24.

[17] Berendschot TT, Broekmans WM, Klöpping-Ketelaars IA, et al. Lens aging in relation to nutritional determinants and possible risk factors for age-related cataract. Arch Ophthalmol. 2002 Dec; 120(12):1732-1737.

[18] Richer S, Stiles W, Statkute L, 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. 2004 Apr; 75(4):216-230.

[19] Dagnelie G, Zorge IS, McDonald TM. Lutein improves visual function in some patients with retinal degeneration: a pilot study via the Internet. Optometry. 2000 Mar; 71(3):147-164.

[20] Chichili GR, Nohr D, Frank J, et al. Protective effects of tomato extract with elevated beta-carotene levels on oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells. Br J Nutr. 2006 Oct; 96(4):643-649.

[21] Mohanty I, Joshi S, Trivedi D, et al. Lycopene prevents sugar-induced morphological changes and modulates antioxidant status of human lens epithelial cells. Br J Nutr. 2002 Oct; 88(4):347-354.

[22] Mares-Perlman JA, Brady WE, Klein R, et al. Serum antioxidants and age-related macular degeneration in a population-based case-control study. Arch Ophthalmol. 1995 Dec; 113(12):1518-1523.

[23] Pollack A, Madar Z, Eisner Z, Nyska A, Oren P. Inhibitory effect of lycopene on cataract development in galactosemic rats. Metab Pediatr Syst Ophthalmol. 1996-1997; 19-20:31-36.

[24] Gupta SK, Trivedi D, Srivastava S, et al. Lycopene attenuates oxidative stress induced experimental cataract development: an in vitro and in vivo study. Nutrition. 2003 Sep; 19(9):794-799.

[25] Zhang XY, Hayasaka S, Hayasaka Y, et al. Effect of N-acetylcysteine on lipopolysaccharide-induced uveitis in rats. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan-Feb; 51(1):14-20.

[26] Schütt F, Völcker HE, Dithmar S. N-acetylcysteine improves lysosomal function and enhances the degradation of photoreceptor outer segments in cultured RPE cells. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 2007 Jul; 224(7):580-584.

[27] Wang KJ, Yao K, Xu W, et al. Effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and catalase on apoptosis of lens epithelial cell and the activity of caspase-3. Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi. 2003 Sep; 39(9):555-559.

[28] Zhang S, Chai FY, Yan H, et al. Effects of N-acetylcysteine and glutathione ethyl ester drops on streptozotocin-induced diabetic cataract in rats. Mol Vis. 2008 May 12; 14:862-870.

[29] Pokupec R, Petricek I, Sikić J, et al. Comparison of local acetylcysteine and artificial tears in the management of dry eye syndrome. Acta Med Croatica. 2005; 59(4):337-340.