Age-related macular degeneration is a serious and common eye ailment in the aging population, but an Italian study showed that taking just 4mg of astaxanthin per day mitigated the symptoms.
ARMD — Age-Related Macular Degeneration – is the gradual breakdown of the cells of the macula. The macula a small, yellow-colored part of the eye that is near the center of the retina. When this breaks down, central vision is compromised. People with ARMD often have difficulty recognizing faces, reading, writing, and driving. Peripheral vision is unaffected.
Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid. Carotenoids including lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin have been researched for their effects on vision health. Carotenoids are yellow to red pigments that are found in foods such as carrots. They absorb blue light, therefore shielding the eyes from near-ultra violet and blue radiation.
Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants. The eyes contain carotenoids, and it is necessary to ingest them. Natural sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include kale, eggs, spinach, turnip greens, collards, raw spinach, and corn. Astaxanthin gives arctic krill their red color, and sources of astaxanthin include yeast, arctic shrimp, microalgae, and certain types of krill.
If sufficient quantities of carotenoids do not come from the diet, supplementation is necessary. Astaxanthin can be produced commercially from both synthetic and natural sources. (Note: At NaturalEyeCare.com we carry astaxanthin from natural sources.)
The study looked at astaxanthin for treating age-related macular degeneration. Twenty-seven macular degeneration patients received astaxanthin alone or 4 mg of astaxanthin combined with vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, lutein, zinc, and zeaxanthin). After taking the supplements each day for twelve months, the functioning of the patients’ central retinas was improved.
Editor’s Note: We offer high quality astaxanthin products containing 4mg per gelcap, and 12mg per gelcap, plus a special eye formula that contains lutein and zeaxanthin.
Study: Ref: Parisi V, et al. Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy Italian study: multifocal electroretinogram modifications after 1 year. Ophthalmology 2008;115(2):324-33.