Blackmores Limited

Blackmores, Australia's leading natural health brand, improves peoples' lives by delivering the world's best natural health solutions, to become peoples' first choice in healthcare. We achieve this by translating our unrivalled heritage and knowledge into innovative, quality branded healthcare solutions that work. Our high quality products, reliable free naturopathic advisory service and award-winning website are among the many reasons Blackmores is the most trusted name in natural health.

Blackmores Macu-Vision®

Blackmores Macu-Vision® is a source of antioxidant nutrients. It helps defend against free radical damage in the macular region of the retina and the lens of the eye.

Features and benefits

• Antioxidant formula based on the Age Related Eye Disease Study* (AREDS).
• Contains naturally sourced vitamin E which is better absorbed and retained than synthetic forms of vitamin E.
• A percentage of the sales of Macu-Vision® supports the MD Foundation.

* Betacarotene has been removed and synthetic vitamin E has been replaced with natural vitamin E.

How it works

Antioxidants act as 'free-radical scavengers'. Free radicals are common in the body, arising through a variety of mechanisms. Many of these free radicals are dealt with by the body's own free radical, antioxidant defences. Some free radicals, however, escape these defences and cause cellular damage. Research suggests that accumulation of free radical cellular damage can result in degenerative conditions.

The antioxidants zinc and vitamins C and E play a significant role in defending against free radical damage in the macular region of the retina and lens of the eye.

Lutein-Vision Advanced^TM

Blackmores Lutein-Vision Advanced^TM is a macular defence formula, based on the latest scientific eye research, containing lutein and zeaxanthin (found in the macular area of the eye).

Features and benefits

• Helps protect the macular region of the eye from free radical damage.
• Increases the density of the protective macular pigment of the retina.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids important for macular health.
• A percentage of the sales from Lutein-Vision Advanced^TM supports the MD Foundation.

How it works

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in the human eye. The highest concentration is found in the macular area of the retina.

The macula is responsible for central vision. Our ability to recognise faces, read, drive, see colours and contrast are all dependent on a healthy macula. They are also present in the lens.

In the macula, lutein and zeaxanthin form a layer of yellow pigment called the macular pigment, which serves as an effective natural filter of the most damaging light (near-to-UV blue light) that reaches the retina.

Human studies suggest that supplements containing natural lutein and zeaxanthin esters may increase the density of the macular pigments. Higher macular pigment density is associated with healthier eyes and the retention of visual sensitivity.

In addition to absorbing potentially harmful blue light, lutein and zeaxanthin also function as antioxidants and may help reduce the risk of age-related macular damage by decreasing the cumulative effects of oxidative damage to the retina and lens.

Selenium

Lutein-Vision Advanced^TM contains selenium as selenomethionine, an easily absorbed form of selenium. Selenium may play an important antioxidant role in the eye as part of an antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase (GSH). GSH is concentrated in the lens where it has an important role in preserving the clarity of the lens and preserving healthy eye function.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Several studies have found that higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids and fish are associated with better macular health. Very high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are present in the retina, specifically in photoreceptor cells and the vascular part of the retina.

The photoreceptors are constantly being renewed and therefore a constant supply of DHA may be required for proper retinal function. A marginal depletion may make the retina more vulnerable to damage.