Viteyes® Essentials

Supplemental Facts Serving Size: 1 Capsule Servings Per Container: 90        Amount Per Serving %DV Selenium (as sodium selenate) _____________________________ Lutein (FloraGLO® from marigold flower) _____________________________ Zeaxanthin   100 mcg ___________ 15 mg ___________ 4.75 mg 143% ___________ * ___________ *       *Daily value (DV) not established

Other ingredients: Gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and silica.

Viteyes® Essentials® is a high-potency, once-daily capsule with lutein (LOO-teen), zeaxanthin (Zea-Zanthin) and selenium designed to be taken with multivitamins and any AREDS formula as an extra measure to help retain macular health.

Lutein is a nutrient found in vegetables and fruits, particularly leafy greens like spinach and kale. Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damage caused by free-radicals, highly unstable forms of oxygen. What makes lutein unique from other antioxidants, such as vitamin C or beta-carotene, is the fact that it is highly concentrated in the macula, the part of the eye that’s responsible for central vision. While lutein is found naturally in the body, it cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from food or dietary supplements.

Zeaxanthin is also not made by the body. High levels of zeaxanthin can only be obtained from supplements. Similar to lutein, zeaxanthin is found in the macula, however, it is much more concentrated in the center part of the macula when compared to lutein. Viteyes® Essentials® contains OPTISHARP® brand zeaxanthin from DSM (formerly Roche Vitamins).

Recent Studies:
(AMD, Skin Health, Cognitive Health, Anti-Inflammation)

Lutein & Zeaxanthin: AMD Benefits
Lutein and zeaxanthin have been linked to lowering the risk of neovascular AMD. A recent study published in Archives of Ophthalmology in September 2007, researched the 4,519 Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) participants between 60 and 80 years of age. They found that carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, absorb blue light that could damage the macula, by preventing free radicals from damaging eye cells and by strengthening eye cell membranes. The study concluded that a higher intake of Lutein and zeaxanthin may help lower the risk for AMD.¹

Lutein & Skin Health
According to a newly published study in Skin Pharmacology & Physiology, FloraGLO® lutein, found in Viteyes® Essentials, may promote long-term skin health by:
-Increasing skin hydration and elasticity.
-Increasing superficial skin lipid content, while decreasing the oxidation of skin lipids, which can cause degradation of the skin.
-Protecting the skin from damage associated with exposure to UV light by helping to bolster the skin’s antioxidant defense system protecting against sun damage.²

Zeaxanthin & Your Mind
Low levels of lycopene and zeaxanthin may be linked to poor cognitive function. A study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences researched 589 adults with an average age of 73.5. Researchers found that the elderly participants with the lowest cognitive functioning had a higher probability of having low levels of specific plasma carotenoids: lycopene and zeaxanthin.³

Although the study doesn’t conclude whether the low levels of these carotenoids (lycopene and zeaxanthin) came before or after their cognitive impairment, the results show that low carotenoid levels could play an important role in mental function.

Lutein & Anti-inflammation
While lutein is associated with helping to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, other recent studies have shown that lutein has an anti-inflammation effect as well. State University of New Jersey studied this effect as well as what mechanism is behind lutein’s anti-inflammation properties. Study researchers concluded that lutein helps to decrease the expression of nitric oxide, which causes potentially dangerous inflammation.⁴

This product contains NO yeast, wheat gluten, lactose, soy protein, milk/dairy, preservatives, flavor or coloring.

Compare to other Viteyes products.

<sup>1. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. Archives of Ophthalmology. “The Relationship of Dietary Carotenoid and Vitamin A, E and C Intake With Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Case-Control Study: AREDS Report No. 22.” Volume 125:1225-1232. September 2007.
2. Palombo, P., Fabrizi, G., Ruocco, V., Ruocco, E., Fluhr, R., Roberts, R., Morganti, P.. "Beneficial Long-Term Effects of Combined Oral/Topical Antioxidant Treatment with the Carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Human Skin: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, Volume 20, Pages 199-210. 2007.
3. Wada, M., DeLong, C., Hong Y.H., Rieke, J., Song, I., Sidhu, R., Yuan, C., Warnock, M., Schmaier, A.H., Yokoyamal, C., Smyth, E., Wilson, S.J., FitzGerald, G.A., Garavito, R.M., Sui D.X., Regan, J.W., Smith, W.L. “Enzymes and Receptors of Prostaglandin Pathways with Arachidonic Acid-derived Versus Eicosapentaenoic Acid-derived Substrates and Products.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. Volume 282:31, August 2007.
4. Rafi, M. & Shafaie, Y. "Dietary lutein modulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene and protein expression in mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7).” Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. Volume 51, Issue 3, Pages 333-340. 2007.</sup>