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Two Antioxidants You Should Incorporate Into Your Supplement Regimen and Why

While everyone should consider taking a high quality multivitamin for overall health, most do not include the powerful antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies reveal that these antioxidants, which are naturally found in dark leafy vegetables, can help protect the eyes (and skin) from the damaging effects of UV and blue light exposure over time. They work best if taken together.

Repeated exposure to UV and blue light can cause free radical damage in the eyes, which can lead to vision loss via cataracts and macular degeneration. Sufficient intake of lutein and zeaxanthin has been shown to boost protective pigment levels in the retina, which leads to less absorption of damaging wavelengths of light. Studies also show that the skin benefits by improving skin tone and protecting it from premature aging due to UV damage.

They naturally occur in the macula but the body does not produce as much over time. There’s no recommended dose at this time, but studies show that people who are more prone to free radical damage (such as smokers, people with poor diets/low intake of fruits and vegetables, and those exposed to excess UV or blue light during the day) need more intake. The goal according to the AREDS2 study is at least 10mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin a day. Most Americans are only getting 1-3 mg a day in their diets.

Lutein and zeaxanthin have a high safety profile. I recommend Eyepromise’s Zeaxanthin and Lutein supplement to all my patients interested in supplementing for their eye health. I also recommend Eyepromise’s Screen Shield Pro for those who spend a significant amount of time on digital devices. This product is amazing because it includes 14 mg of zeaxanthin, 7 mg of lutein and other crucial vitamins like D, C, E, omega-3 and bilberry among others. Visit www.eyepromise.com and enter code 13278 at checkout for savings!