VITAMINS AND NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE EYE:

In the last decade, much attention has been drawn on vitamin and mineral supplements to promote health of the eyes. There has also been authorized research by National Health Institute. Because of the importance of the subject, we will provide health-related information on the substances believed to help keep the eyes in good health. Excessive intake of vitamins and minerals can also have problematic side effects, and the amount of intake should be balanced not to exceed the required amount to interfere with metabolism of other necessary nutrients for the body. Therefore there should be a synergy between and among them. It has been shown that some vitamin supplements can slow the progression of some macular diseases especially macular degeneration.

Vit. A. - for many years it has been discovered that vitamin A is the principal molecule activated in the retina by the light to initiate the process of seeing. For this reason, carrots, which are rich in vitamin A , have been recommended to people to eat. The daily body requirement of vitamin A is 2500 IU. Vitamin A and beta-Carotene are associated with lower incidence of cancer .Carrots and sweet potatoes are a rich source of Vitamin A. This vitamin may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

Beta carotene – . Beta- carotene is converted to Retinol, which is essential in the process of vision. It has been used in the prevention of the progression of macular degeneration. It has protective role against  lung and prostate cancer.

Vit B2 – Riboflavin - Is one of the vitamin B complexes . May possibly be deficient in Cataract patients. Can give rise to sensitivity to light and itchy eyes. In some cases it is used for migraine headaches.

Vit C – This vitamin has antioxidant and immune properties. Prevents cellular damages caused by oxidative processes in the macula. Very high doses of this vitamin can deplete vitamin B complex of the body, causing vitamin B deficiency. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good natural sources.

Vit E – This Vitamin is also a potent antioxidant, which is good for the cell membrane integrity. The dose of vitamin E intake should not exceed 400 units. For better results, combination of antioxidants should be included in the formulas.

Minerals - These elements are required by the body to metabolize vitamins, but their amount in the formula should be regulated too in order to avoid interference with the other minerals. For example, too much Zinc can prevent absorption of Copper, which helps bone marrow to produce blood cells.

Zinc – It is believed that Zinc reduces the risk of vision deterioration in macular degeneration. Zinc may cause deficiency of element copper, therefore it is added to the formula. The concentration of zinc in the retina is the 2^nd highest in the body, the first being the male sex organs. 

Copper - Copper enters the process of energy-producing enzymes. With low copper, there will be low oxygen in the cell too. A diet which is low in copper may cause Anemia.

Selenium – Is an element which has anti-oxidant properties, protects cell membrane, and reduces the risk of cancer, and heart and blood vessel diseases.- Is an element which has anti-oxidant properties, protects cell membrane, and reduces the risk of cancer, and heart and blood vessel diseases.

Chromium - Also an element involved in the utilization of insulin and regulating sugar levels in the body. Plays a role in lipid metabolism too.  

OTHER NUTRIENTS:

Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Nutrients of Carotinoid group, found in the macula of retina, have antioxidant function. Lutein, together with Zeaxanthin, are yellowish green and they prevent toxic effects of blue light and near UV radiation to the macula. Evidence shows that the pigment of the macular cells are of dietary source, lutein and zeaxanthin can be absorbed into macular cells in healthy and diseased macula. These arytenoids are included in supplements for the eyes. Most fruits and vegetables are natural sources for both.

Fatty acids … Omega- 3 – Essential fatty acids are the good lipids which can not be produced in the body and must be received through dietary sources . Two of them are Omega -6 which is abundant and Omega -3 which is deficient in the American diet . The ratio of omega6 to omega 3 should ideally be around 3 or 4 :1, but this ratio in our diet is usually 20 :1. Therefore it is good for the health to include omega 3 in the supplement formulas. Omega 3 is good for the heart, nervous and immune systems. It also plays an important role in the repair and integrity of the cell membrane.. Low omega 3 can cause vision problems.

Bilberry - Good for the health of small blood vessels, is an antioxidant, and improves night vision in Glaucoma patients.