SuperVision® is a great friend for your eyes. Computers, TVs, reading
and schoolwork can all take their toll on the eyes. Nature provides
support in the form of anthocyanidins antioxidants that protect these
delicate tissues.
This product is used for general eye health
enhancement, and specifically to reduce the risk for developing
age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
"your product + your customer service are excellent.
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
This product is designed to provide plant constituents that are historically associated with eye health enhancement. The principal benefits derived from these constituents include antioxidation by an array of potent flavonoid and carotenoid antioxidants, strengthening of blood vessels and the retinal capillary bed, macular pigment density enhancement (AMD), and cataract risk reduction.
All tissues suffer from deterioration via inappropriate oxidation, and the eyes are not exempted. In fact, visual physiology obliges the retinal tissues to be among the most metabolically active tissues in the body, nearly equaling the myocardium.
Plants have an array of antioxidants that are able to modulate the risk of free radical oxidation and the polyphenolic flavonoids and the carotenoids rank very high as potent antioxidants. Thus, Bilberry with its flavonoid anthocyanidins, as well as the multi-anthocyanidins, and quercetin with its glycoside form, rutin, provide potent antioxidation.
Furthermore, lutein and beta-carotene are potent carotenoid antioxidants. Beta-carotene is distinguished as the most potent scavenger of singlet oxygen, the prevalence of which is a function of high metabolic use of oxygen. Long-term eye health is intimately tied to antioxidant perfusion of the eyes over a lifetime, either by a diet of copious plant food, or by strategic supplementation.
Another concern in maintaining long-term health in the eyes is the status of retinal microcirculation, and the general risk of vessel permeability and fragility, especially in regards to the risk of developing the "wet" form of age-related macular degeneration. Here again the anthocyanidins play an important role. In 1965 Jacque Masquelier, a professor at the University of Bordeaux in France, and one of the earliest researchers with anthocyanidins, demonstrated how potent they were for improving capillary disorders. He gave 45 people suffering from venous and capillary disorders a single 100 mg dose of anthocyanidins from Maritime Pine Tree bark, and within 72 hours they were collectively found to have a 140 percent increase in capillary resistance to an applied vacuum force, thus demonstrating the enhanced resistance to leaking blood fluid and red blood cells.(7) (Dyes can be used to monitor the inappropriate passage of fluid out of the capillary bed.) Capillary resistance to leakiness and fragility are a function of collagen and elastin integrity, and the anthocyanidins, quercetin, and rutin are able to bind to these connective tissue polymers, providing more intimate protection against free radical damage, while also providing enhanced glycosaminoglycan synthesis.(3,8) A goodly presence of anthocyanidins also helps to modulate inappropriate action of the normally important remodeling catabolic enzymes, like elastase and hyaluronidase, thus preventing unnecessary destruction of capillary integrity.(8)
Enhanced microcirculation is pertinent to the metabolic where-with-all to perform optimally, maintaining the eye tissues in good repair and in good function. Anthocyanidins have been shown to even improve the visual function of healthy eyes.(8) In one study, 100 subjects with no retinal disorders were given 200 mg per day of anthocyanidins from grape seeds, or a placebo, for 5 to 6 weeks. The subjects receiving the anthocyanidins demonstrated significant improvement in visual function in the dark and after glare tests, compared to the placebo group. Regularly served Bilberry pie gained notoriety during World War II when consuming British night flyers reported enhanced vision over the darkened ground targets. So in compromised eyes, anthocyanidins may provide dramatic new life quality. The 200 mgs per day cited above may not be realistic unless grape seed extract is used, but even a 50 mg amount8 of anthocyanidins per day, less than provided in one capsule of this product per day, over time is expected to enhance visual function.
A third central eye care concern is the avoidance of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disorder is particularly cruel, robbing the victim of one of the most precious gifts of life - the joy of sighted self-sufficiency. In the very center of the retina, the approximately 4 mm radial macula area receives focused light that accounts for almost the entire vision field. It is this central vision that is deteriorated in AMD as the macula suffer tissue declines by solar and oxygen damage.(9,10,11) The risk of developing AMD is directly related to the density of the macular pigment deposition, and these pigments are lutein, and its isomers, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, which three are collectively call the xanthophylls.(12) The xanthophylls absorb blue light, acting like blue-blocker sunglasses, which is the most challenging wavelength for the retinal cells. Evidence of solar damage can be recognized in the fact that lifetime outdoors workers are at greater risk of developing AMD. The xanthophylls are also carotenoids, acting as antioxidants in the area of their deposition. This product supplies lutein and some unspecified amount of zeaxanthin. Meso-zeaxanthin is produced in the retina from lutein.(9,13)
Using 2 mg per day of lutein as a supplement to dietary lutein may be sufficient to reduce the risk of macular degenerative compromise as one ages, particularly when the diet is strong in a variety of vegetables like corn and the green leafy plants. However, in a Harvard epidemiology study, 6 mg was associated with a 43 percent reduction in the risk for progression of the more severe wet AMD in patients already suffering from wet AMD.(14) Because of that study, many experts recommend 6 mg per day as we age, especially if there is some evidence of emerging AMD. For some people, buying straight lutein may present the best options. (Lutein, 6 mg WN 3334) The label of this product lists FloraGlo™ Lutein, 40 mg. However, only 2 mg of lutein are in this product, coming from the FloraGlo™ extract that is a 5 percent product.
Finally, to the extent that oxygen and photo-oxidative stress plays a role in the emergence of cataracts, the flavonoids and carotenoids provide antioxidation to the lens proteins. Flavonoids regenerate vitamin C, a very central nutrient antioxidant associated with preventing cataracts, and lutein is also naturally deposited in the lens to act as an antioxidant, modulating the affect of solar energy.(12,15) A high availability of vitamin C is required to arrest cataract formation, and flavonoids are potent reducing agents for recycling vitamin C. In one study of 450 patients using 1000 mg of vitamin C per day, most of the patients had not experienced cataract progression or recurrence after 11 years.(16) This demonstrates the power of antioxidation to arrest or prevent cataracts, but gives added incentive to recycle vitamin C with flavonoids. Quercetin is particularly associated with lowering the risk of diabetic cataracts because it is able to inhibit lens aldose reductase, the enzyme that converts glucose to sorbitol.(17)
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Directions
Use 1 to 3 capsules per day, or as directed by a health care professional. Take with a meal containing fat/oil since the lutein component is strictly fat-soluble.
Cautions
ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS
Eyebright - There is insufficient specific information regarding the oral safety of Eyebright. Traditionally, it is used orally as a treatment for nasal mucous membrane inflammation and sinusitis, presumably then, the eyes derive some benefit. While this product is not designed or intended for topical use, Newall observes without clarity on the route of administration, that 10 to 60 drops of its tincture could induce toxic symptoms including mental confusion and cephalalgia, raised pressure in the eyes with lachrymation, pruritis, redness, swelling of the eyelid margins, dim vision, photophobia, weakness, sneezing, nausea, toothache, constipation, cough, dyspnea, insomnia, polyuria, and diaphoresis.(1) Eyebright is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural-source food flavouring to be used in food in the traditionally accepted amounts, but there is insufficient information for an adequate assessment of potential toxicity.(1)
Bilberry - Adverse side effects or toxicity are not associated with bilberry extracts from the plant fruit. In a post-market evaluation, 4 percent of 2000 patients reported mild GI, cutaneous, and nervous systems side effects, and 51 pregnant women using 160 to 320 mg per day of anthocyanidins for over 90 days the chief bilberry extract active, for venous insufficiency and acute-phase hemorrhoids reported no adverse effects.(2)
Lutein - Adverse side effects or toxicity are not associated with lutein extracts at the recommended amount of this product, which corresponds to dietary intake.
Multi-anthocyanidins - Adverse side effects or toxicity are not associated with these bioflavonoid compounds.
Carrot juice powder - No adverse side effects or toxicity are expected at the recommended use levels.
Rutin - May cause headache, flushing, rashes, or mild GI problems.(3)
Quercetin - Can cause headache and tingling in the extremities.(3)
INTERACTIONS
Eyebright - No interactions are known, or insufficient information is available to predict an interaction.(3)
Bilberry - No interactions are known.(3)
Lutein - Concomitant use with beta-carotene may result in reduced lutein or betacarotene absorption.(4,5) Concomitant use with Olestra may result in inhibition of lutein absorption.(6)
Anthocyanidins - These are flavonoids universally found in plants, and are not associated with adverse interactions at the recommended daily amount.
Carrot juice powder - No interactions are expected.
Rutin - May provide an iron chelating interaction.(3) This should be understood as advantageous, helping to chelate free iron that is able to generate free radicals - not chelating iron that is properly bound to the respective iron binding proteins.
Quercetin - May competitively inhibit quinolone antibiotics by binding to the DNA gyrase site on bacteria.(3)
PRECAUTION / CAUTIONS
None
CONTRAINDICATIONS
None
Additional Information
References
1. Newall, Carol A., et al, Herbal Medicines A Guide For Health-Care Professionals, The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1996 2. Canadian Pharmacists Association, Herbs Everyday Reference For Health Professionals, ed, Frank Chandler, National Printers (Ottawa) Inc., Nepean, Ontario, 2000 3. Jellin, J.M., et al, Pharmacist's letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 3rd ed., Stockton, CA, Therapeutic Faculty, 2000 4. Kostic, D., et al, Intestinal absorption, serum clearance, and interactions between lutein and beta-carotene when administered to human adults in separate or combined oral, Am J Clin Nutr, 63(3): 604-610,1995 5. van den Berg, Henk and Trinette van Vliet, Effect of simultaneous, single oral doses of beta-carotene with lutein or lycopene on the beta-carotene and retinyl ester responses in the triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein fraction of men, Am J Clin Nutr, 68:82-89, 1998 6. Burton, P., et al, Olestra affects serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids but not vitamin D or vitamin K status in free-living subjects, J Nutr, 127 (Suppl): 1636s-1645s, 1997 7. Passwater, Richard A., Chithan Kandaswami, Pycnogenol The Super Protector Nutrient, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT,1994 8. Murray, Michael T., The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1995 9. Snodderly, Max D., Evidence for protection against age-related macula degeneration by carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins, Am J Clin Nutr, 62(suppl): 1448s-61s,1995 10. Beatty, S., Macular pigment and age related macula degeneration, Br J Ophthalmol, 83: 867-877, 1999 11. Ham, W.T.Jr., et al, Retinal sensitivity to radiation damage from short-wave light, Nature, 260: 153-158,1976 12. Hammond, B.R., et al, Density of the human crystalline lens is related to the macular pigment carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, Optometry and Visual Science, 74(7): 499-504, 1997 13. Bone, Richard A., Stereochemistry of Human Macula Carotenoids, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 34:6, 2033-2040, 1993 14. Seddon, Johanna M., et al, Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamin A, C, and E, and Advance Age-Related Macular Degeneration, JAMA, 272: 1413-1420, 1994 15. Brown, L., et al, A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men, Am J Clin Nutr, 70(4): 517-524, 1999
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
