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Vision Empowerment – Part II

vision empowerment foodIn the article, we discussed several essential nutrients for the eye and overall health. This follow-up article focuses on several additional important nutrients: astaxanthin, PUFA’s (polyunsaturated fatty acids), and trehalose.

Bird’s Eye View
This article examines several nutrients that are important for the eyes and overall health. The nutrients come in many forms, and all represent building blocks for well-being. They are:

Astaxanthin, Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, Trehalose

A well-rounded diet is the best source of vitamins and minerals. However, getting all the needed nutrients from food is difficult. Taking supplements is sometimes necessary to promote good health. Curious? Keep reading!

With the right building blocks, your body can manufacture many antioxidants. Glutathione, superoxide dismutase, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10, and vitamin D can be made in the body. Other antioxidants must be ingested, including resveratrol, carotenoids, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, vitamin C, bilberry, and vitamin E.

Carotenoids are a class of antioxidants, critical to eye health, that include astaxanthin, beta-carotene, meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and lutein; they are found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables. The eyes require relatively large amounts of carotenoids for healthy vision maintenance.

Astaxanthin

Research reviews1 2 3 4 point to the wide range of benefits of astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, including excellent tolerability and safety factors. It lowers levels of free radicals in people who are smokers or overweight, blocks oxidative DNA damage, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, supports tuberculin immunity, lowers triglycerides, increases blood flow and good HDL cholesterol, supports brain functioning with improved cognition and nerve stem cell growth, improves visual acuity and reproductive health, and more.

Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid similar to beta-carotene, but a slight structural difference creates a radical biological difference. One unique quality is its ability to cross the blood/brain barrier,5 which means that it can deliver antioxidants directly to the brain, as well as to the eyes and nervous system. This explains its presence in the retina.

Antioxidant. Astaxanthin destroys the unstable reactive-oxygen species (ROS) molecules, commonly known as free radicals, and wards off their constant attack on all parts of the body. When tested against various ROS and RNS (nitrogen-reactive species) molecules, astaxanthin was one of the most effective scavengers. Its antioxidant ability is ten times more powerful than beta-carotene, lutein, or zeaxanthin, and 60–500 times stronger than vitamin E.6  It must be taken through food or in supplement form since the body does not make it.

Inflammation. Astaxanthin is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and pain reliever. Because inflammation is at the root of many eye conditions, this ability to reduce inflammation is extremely beneficial. It can block COX-2 enzymes, which cause the pain and inflammation behind various forms of arthritis.7

Mitochondria support. Astaxanthin is a novel mitochondria regulator.8 In the lab, astaxanthin was found to protect embryos against heat stress, apparently by directly supporting mitochondria, the energy-producers of the cell.9 It also protected against the death of epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro, by supporting the mitochondrial signaling pathway.10

Cataract. Researchers found that astaxanthin reduced biomarkers that indicated oxidative stress and reduced cataract formation in diabetic animal models; the effect was greater when combined with pine bark extract (flavangenol).11 12

Eye fatigue. In a number of different studies, researchers found that astaxanthin was useful in reducing fatigue, sore, dry eyes, blurry vision, and recovery from intense visual stimulation.13 14 In computer users, astaxanthin significantly reduced eye fatigue and improved accommodation amplitude,15 which refers to the ability of the eye to change focus as distances change.

Macular degeneration. Astaxanthin slows oxidative damage and protects the photoreceptors.16 Research suggests that such protection partly falls on astaxanthin’s ability to protect and regulate mitochondrial function.17

Retinal injury. Studies suggest that astaxanthin effectively improves retinal injury due to chemical damage,18 inadequate blood supply,19 increased ocular pressure,20 and protecting photoreceptors from light-caused cell degeneration through its antioxidative capacity and its activation of a by-product, Nrf2.21

Related disorders. Astaxanthin may support the kidneys, protecting against renal tubular oxidative damage.22 Astaxanthin could be useful for preventing and treating neuronal damage, as in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and other types of central nervous system injuries.23  It may be helpful for brain injury.24

Food sources. Red yeast Phaffiarhodozyma (used in Asian cooking), salmon, shrimp, trout, and other pink seafood that eat the red algae Haematococcus.

PUFA’s (Polyunsaturated fatty acids)

Fats are broken down into two categories: saturated and unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats like poly- and monounsaturated fats are considered “healthy fats.” Polyunsaturated fats (oils) are usually liquid at room temperature.

Omega-3 fatty acids

The omega-3s you’ve heard so much about are a key family of polyunsaturated fats found mostly in fatty fish, plant-based oils, seeds, and nuts. These omega-3 fatty acids — alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — are essential for heart and eye health.

Inflammation reduction. DHA, found in cold water fish, provides protective properties to the retina.25 DHA reduces inflammation and may reduce stress caused by inflammation in the retina, as seen in diabetic retinopathy. It is also a precursor for a biochemical compound known as neuroprotectin D1, which also helps protect against damage from inflammation and reduces cell death within the retina.26

Macular protection. A combination of carotenoid multivitamins enhances DHA’s helpfulness.27

Wet macular degeneration. In advanced macular degeneration, new blood vessels form which distort and damage the delicate structure of the retina.  Researchers have found that omega-3 fatty acids can regulate the formation of blood vessels,28. Along with lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids help preserve vision.

Retinitis pigmentosa.  A combination of omega-3s and vitamin A may slow the progression of this debilitating genetic eye disease.29

Dry eye syndrome. Essential fatty acids, taken orally, may alleviate dry eye symptoms, decrease tear evaporation rate, and improve Nelson grade in patients suffering from computer-vision-syndrome-related dry eye. 30 Another study with older women showed a reduced risk of dry eye syndrome with a high dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids.31

Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that omega-3 status may be linked to preventing cognitive decline and dementia.  A 2023 study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that long-term users of omega-3 fatty acids had a 64 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than nonusers. In subgroup analyses, this protection was significant for men, individuals 65 years and older, carriers of the APOE4 mutation (which increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease), and those with mild cognitive impairment.32

Food sources. Fatty fish, seeds, and nuts.  These cold-water fish include salmon and tuna, but it is better to favor fish that are low on the food chain because of mercury accumulating in larger fish.  Think sardines, herring, and mackerel.

Omega-6 fatty acids

The omega-6 fatty acids are another category of polyunsaturated oils. Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid (LA) (not to be confused with the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid), arachidonic acid (ARA), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). While the body does need some omega-6 fatty acids, excessive amounts interfere with the health benefits of omega-3s.

In today’s modern diet, the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids has been distorted, primarily due to the high intake of carbohydrates (bread, cereal, pasta, and rice). A good ratio is about 2 parts omega-6 to 1 part omega-3. Today’s 20:1 ratio may be a major contributor to many health conditions including autoimmune and neurological disease.

Excessive levels of omega-6 fatty acids (except GLA) increase inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Most cancer tissues have higher levels of omega-6s and lower levels of omega-3s.33 Omega-6 fatty acids may support lowered LDL cholesterol, but they are not correlated with cardiovascular protection, and the evidence is uncertain.34

Inflammation reduction. The omega-6 GLA acids (included in black currant seed and borage oils) are anti-inflammatory.

Brain development. Both ARA (omega-6) and DHA (omega-3) are needed for brain development and function, and along with EPA (omega-3), are precursors to a wide range of biochemicals, such as endocannabinoids that play interconnected roles in controlling inflammatory response, synapse functioning, nerve growth, and neuroprotection.35

Contributes to metabolic disorders. However, inexpensive LA plant oils in the diet help distort the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Such an increase may contribute to soaring rates of obesity in the Western diet (and in people who transition to such a diet from their native diet).36 It is also thought that LA oils upset the normal glucose balance.37

Food sources

The body cannot synthesize omega-6 fatty acids independently and cannot convert dietary omega-6s to omega-3s.

      • GLA is found in plant oils, especially blackcurrant seed oil, borage oil, and hempseed oil. It is also in smaller amounts in oats and barley.
      • ARA is found in meats, dairy, and egg yolks.
      • LA is found in plant oils, especially safflower, evening primrose, poppy seed, grapeseed, sunflower, hemp, corn, and wheat germ.

Trehalose

Trehalose is a natural sugar in many organisms, including bacteria and plants. Research has shown that it may help protect cell integrity against environmental stresses like heat, cold, dehydration, and oxidation. It encourages the healthy function of proteins, which become enzymes, hormones, etc.  It may also help promote healthy cognitive and nerve function and provide healthy aging support to nerve tissues against environmental toxins. Trehalose is used in the food industry because of its stabilizing effect on proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and volatile compounds.38

Trehalose has a therapeutic effect in various experimental disease models.  It can reduce mis-folded proteins, reduce inflammation, act as an antioxidant, and may be beneficial in neurodegenerative therapies.39

Dry eyes. It appears to be effective alone or as a contributor to dry eye drops.40

Corneal protection. Trehalose protects the corneal surface, resulting in more transparency, less scarring, and reduced inflammation.41

Medical applications. Trehalose is under investigation for several medical applications, including the treatment of Huntington’s chorea and Alzheimer’s disease, and may be effective in reducing oxidative stress.42

Food Sources: Trehalose occurs naturally in small amounts in a variety of foods most notably mushrooms, honey, lobster, shrimp, certain seaweeds (algae), wine, beer, bread, and other foods produced by using baker’s or brewer’s yeast.

Eating for Health

The best way to get vitamins and minerals is from a well-rounded diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats, such as nuts and olive oil. Learn more about our Vision Diet.

Suggested Supplements

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps – our foundation eye formula which is a whole food, organic, GMO-free formulation.

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps – with lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin and astaxanthin.

OmegaGenics™ EPA-DHA 720 Lemon 120 gels – also available in 240 gelcaps or liquid.

In This Series:

Vision Self-Empowerment in a New Age
Vision Empowerment – Part II

Footnotes

  1. Kidd, P. (2011). Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Alt Med Rev. Dec;16(4):355-64). ↩
  2. De Jesus Raposo MF, de Morais AM, de Morais RM. (2015). Carotenoids from Marine Microalgae: A Valuable Natural Source for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases. Mar Drugs. Aug;13(8):5128-5155. ↩
  3. Donoso A, González-Durán J, Muñoz AA, González PA, Agurto-Muñoz C. (2021). Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: An evidence-based review focused on human clinical trials. Pharmacol Res. Apr;166:105479. ↩
  4. Si P, Zhu C. Biological and neurological activities of astaxanthin (Review). Mol Med Rep. 2022 Oct;26(4):300. ↩
  5. Ibid. Si (2022). ↩
  6. Kumar S, Kumar R; Diksha; Kumari A, Panwar A. Astaxanthin: A super antioxidant from microalgae and its therapeutic potential. J Basic Microbiol. 2022 Sep;62(9):1064-1082. ↩
  7. Pereira CPM, Souza ACR, Vasconcelos AR, Prado PS, Name JJ. (2021). Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med. Jan;47(1):37-48. ↩
  8. Nishida Y, Nawaz A, Hecht K, Tobe K. (2021). Astaxanthin as a Novel Mitochondrial Regulator: A New Aspect of Carotenoids, beyond Antioxidants. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 27;14(1):107. ↩
  9. Kuroki T, Ikeda S, Okada T, Maoka T, Kitamura A, et al. (2013). Astaxanthin ameliorates heat stress-induced impairment of blastocyst development in vitro: astaxanthin colocalization with and action on mitochondria. J Assist Reprod Genet. Jun;30(5):623-31. ↩
  10. Song X, Wang B, Lin S, Jing L, Mao C, et al. (2014). Astaxanthin inhibits apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells type II in vivo and in vitro through the ROS-dependent mitochondrial signaling pathway. J Cell Mol Med. Nov;18(11):2198-212. ↩
  11. Giannaccare G, Pellegrini M, Senni C, Bernabei F, Scorcia V, Cicero AFG. Clinical Applications of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases: Emerging Insights. Mar Drugs. 2020 May 1;18(5):239. ↩
  12. Nakano M, Orimo N, Katagirim N, Tsubata M, Takahashi J, et al. (2008). Inhibitory effect of astaxanthin combined with Flavangenol on oxidative stress biomarkers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. Jul-Sep;78(4-5):175-82. ↩
  13. Ibid. Giannaccare. (2020). ↩
  14. Nagaki Y, Hayasaka S, Yamada AT, Hayasaka Y, Sanada M, et al. (2002). Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusions, and pattern evoked potential in visual display terminal workers. J Trad Med. 19(5):170-173. ↩
  15. Ogami, S.K. (2010). Effect of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia Efficacy identification study in healthy volunteers. J Clin Ther Med. 21(5):543-556. ↩
  16. Iwasaki T, Tawara A. (2006). Effects of Astaxanthin on Eyestrain Induced by Accommodative Dysfunction. J Eye (Atarashii Ganka). Jun;23(6):829-834. ↩
  17. Lewis Luján LM, McCarty MF, Di Nicolantonio JJ, Gálvez Ruiz JC, Rosas-Burgos EC, et al. (2022). Nutraceuticals/Drugs Promoting Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Biogenesis May Combat the Mitochondrial Dysfunction Driving Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Nutrients. May 9;14(9):1985. ↩
  18. Okazaki Y, Okada S, Toyokuni S. (2017), Astaxanthin ameliorates ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced renal oxidative injury in rats. J Clin Biochem Nutr. Jul;61(1):18-24. ↩
  19. Otsuka T, Shimazawa M, Inoue Y, Nakano Y, Ojino K, et al. (2016). Astaxanthin Protects Against Retinal Damage: Evidence from In Vivo and In Vitro Retinal Ischemia and Reperfusion Models. Curr Eye Res. Nov;41(11):1465-1472. ↩
  20. Iwasaki, T., Tawara, A. (2006). Effects of Astaxanthin on Eyestrain Induced by Accommodative Dysfunction. J Eye (Atarashii Ganka), Jun;23(6):829-834. ↩
  21. Inoue Y, Shimazawa M, Nagano R, Kuse Y, Takahashi K. (2017), Astaxanthin analogs, adonixanthin and lycopene, activate Nrf2 to prevent light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. J Pharmacol Sci. Jul;134(3):147-157. ↩
  22. Ibid. Okazaki. (2017). ↩
  23. Ibid. Si (2022). ↩
  24. Zhang XS, Zhang X, Zhou ML, Zhou XM, Li N, et al. (2014). Amelioration of oxidative stress and protection against early brain injury by astaxanthin after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage. J Neurosurg. Jul;121(1):42-54. ↩
  25. Querques, G., Forte, R., Souied, E.H. (2011). Retina and Omega-3. J Nutr Metab. 2011:748361. ↩
  26. Bazan NG, Molina MF, Gordon WC. (2011). Docosahexaenoic acid signalolipidomics in nutrition: significance in aging, neuroinflammation, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Annu Rev Nutr. Aug 21;31:321-51. ↩
  27. Rodríguez González-Herrero ME, Ruiz M, López Román FJ, Marín Sánchez JM, Domingo JC. (2018). Supplementation with a highly concentrated docosahexaenoic acid plus xanthophyll carotenoid multivitamin in nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy: prospective controlled study of macular function by fundus microperimetry. Clin Ophthalmol. May 29;12, 1011-1020. ↩
  28. Yanai, R., Mulki, L., Hasegawa, E., Takeuchi, K., Sweigard, H., et al. (2014). Cytochrome P450-generated metabolites derived from omega-3 fatty acids attenuate neovascularization. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, Jul 1;111(26):9603-8. ↩
  29. Schwartz SG, Wang X, Chavis P, Kuriyan AE, Abariga SA. Vitamin A and fish oils for preventing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Jun 18;6(6):CD008428. ↩
  30. BhargavaR, Kumar P, Phogat H, Kaur A, Kumar M. (2015). Oral omega-3 fatty acids treatment in computer vision syndrome related dry eye. Con Lens Ant Eye. Jun;38(3):206-10. ↩
  31. Ribelles A, Galbis-Estrada C, Parras MA, Vivar-Llopis B, Marco-Ramirez C, et al. (2015). Ocular Surface and Tear Film Changes in Older Women Working with Computers, Biomed Res Int, 2015:467039. ↩
  32. Wei BZ et al. (2023). Am J Clin Nutr. Apr 5;S0002-9165(23)46320-4. ↩
  33. Zirate R, El Jaber-Vazdekis N, Tejera N, Perez JA, Rodriguez C. (2017). Significance of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human health. Clin Transl Med. Dec;6(1):25. ↩
  34. Zirate, R., El Jaber-Vazdekis, N., Tejera, N., Perez, J.A., Rodriguez, C. (2017). Significance of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human health. Clin Transl Med. Dec;6(1):25. ↩
  35. Dyall, S.C. (2017). Interplay Between n-3 and n-6 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Endocannabinoid System in Brain Protection and Repair. Lipids. Nov;52(11):885-900. ↩
  36. Naughton SS, Mathai ML, Hryciw DH, McAinch AJ. (2016). Linoleic acid and the pathogenesis of obesity. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat. Sep;125:90-9. ↩
  37. Hamilton JS, Klett EL. (2021). Linoleic acid and the regulation of glucose homeostasis: A review of the evidence. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2021 Dec;175:102366. ↩
  38. Chen A, Tapia H, Goddard JM, Gibney PA. (2022). Trehalose and its applications in the food industry. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. Nov;21(6):5004-5037. ↩
  39. Pupyshev AB, Klyushnik TP, Akopyan AA, Singh SK, Tikhonova MA. (2022). Disaccharide trehalose in experimental therapies for neurodegenerative disorders: Molecular targets and translational potential. Pharmacol Res. Sep;183:106373. ↩
  40. Roszkowska AM, Inferrera L, Spinella R, Postorino EI, Gargano R, et al. (2022). Clinical Efficacy, Tolerability and Safety of a New Multiple-Action Eyedrop in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Dry Eye. J Clin Med. Nov 26;11(23):6975. ↩
  41. Laihia J, Kaarniranta K. (2020). Trehalose for Ocular Surface Health. Biomolecules. May 25;10(5):809. ↩
  42. Elbein AD, Pan YT, Pastuszak I, Carroll D. New insights on trehalose: A multifunctional molecule. Glycobiology. 2003;13:17R–27R. ↩