Recent research strongly supports astaxanthin as the eye healthcare supplement of choice due to its ability to cross the blood-brain/blood-retina barrier and preferentially reside in the cones of the foveal region of the macula. Research also points to astaxanthin's exceptional reduction on light-induced oxidative stress processes that damage cells and many cellular mechanisms. Astaxanthin was found to be many times more effective than either beta-carotene or lutein against UV light induced cellular damage. Results from the CARMIS clinical trial (Carotenoids and Antioxidant in Age Related Maculopathy Italian Study), which employed astaxanthin as a critical component ingredient, strongly suggests that astaxanthin is an excellent addition to eye healthcare supplements that may already contain lutein. Lutein is known to accumulate in the outer region of the macula, where light impingement is relatively low in comparison to the central macular region (also known as the fovea) where the highest light impingement always occurs and where maximum anti-oxidant protection is required. In addition, unlike the AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disorder Study), conducted by the US National Eye Institute, carotenoid ingredients like lutein, as well as water-soluble vitamins such as A and C, can become dangerously pro-oxidant; whereas, astaxanthin essentially never acts as a pro-oxidant, even at high concentrations. The bottom line is that ARMD studies to date require the inclusion of patients with ARMD in at least one eye and are not designed to show prevention prior to a disease state. Supplementation with astaxanthin (2 mg) and eating a healthful diet full of fruits and vegetables, naturally rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, are good prevention measures against eye health damage.

According to Valensa's Moerck, supplement marketers around the world have the opportunity to tap into the demand for better eye healthcare products with Valensa's growing patent position in astaxanthin and NKO(R) krill-based products. "Better eye health is a very powerful message for the retail audience. Particularly in a time when baby boomers are looking to 'age gracefully,' regular supplementation with a Zanthin-based eye healthcare product has the opportunity to be the 'next big thing' in eye healthcare," he said. "Today, Valensa stands ready with the highest quality astaxanthin products on the market and is looking forward to further licensing of this technology to supplement manufacturers and markets around the world," he added.

SOURCE Valensa International