OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Protecting Your Vision

Supplements for Preventing Macular Degeneration
by Jannet Huang, MD, FRCPC, FACE, ABHM

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational purposes only. Supplements (herbal and vitamins) should be complementary to a healthy lifestyle as well as appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. Those who are interested in beginning a nutritional supplement should first consult their personal physician.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness for people aged 50 and older in North America. It affects more than 10 million Americans. There are two types of macular degeneration: "dry" and "wet." About 90% of cases of macular degeneration are the "dry" type. In this type, the deterioration of the retina is associated with the formation of small yellow deposits, known as drusen. Central vision loss is related to retinal thinning caused by the drusen. In the "wet" type, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula. These new blood vessels may then bleed and leak fluid, causing the macula to bulge or lift, and distorting central vision. There are not too many treatment options for AMD, so prevention is key.

Carotenoids
Lutein is a carotenoid that is normally found in high concentrations within the macula. Lutein is the major carotenoid pigment of the macula and retina. Zeaxanthin is lutein's stereoisomer, which is found in combination with lutein in the eye, in foods, and often in supplements. Lutein and zeaxanthin increase the density of macular pigment. This allows less blue light to reach photoreceptors, which reduces damage. Lutein from both supplements and the diet seem to be beneficial for AMD.

Antioxidants / Zinc Combination
Taking beta-carotene orally 15 mg, combined with vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, and elemental zinc 80 mg daily seems to provide a risk reduction of 27% for visual acuity loss and a risk reduction of 25% for progression of AMD in patients with advanced AMD. However, antioxidants alone or zinc alone do not seem to have this same benefit.

Fish oil Omega 3 (DHA)
Increased consumption of DHA is associated with a decreased risk of AMD.

Featured Products

Carotenoids Complex by GNLD
WHY GNLD CAROTENOID COMPLEX?

• Broad-spectrum, lipid-soluble nutrient supplementation. More than just beta-carotene, Carotenoid Complex provides a variety of carotenoid “family members” as they naturally occur in the human food chain in fruits and vegetables. Research continues to show that individual carotenoids play different and specific roles as part of the body’s complex defense system against illness and disease.

• Whole-food ingredients. Our exclusive blend of carotenoid-rich extracts and concentrates is derived from whole tomatoes, carrots, spinach, red bell peppers, strawberries, apricots, and peaches.

• 15 powerful carotenoid family members. Our unique formula has been tested and shown to deliver alpha-, beta-, cis-beta-, gamma-, and zeta-carotene, lycopene, cislycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha- and beta-cryptoxanthin, violaxanthin, canthaxanthin, capsanthin, and cryptocapsin.

• Exclusive NutriMax Process®. Advanced technology yields a 98% extraction efficiency. Also includes low-temperature processing and oxygen-free encapsulation to guarantee high potency of lipid-soluble carotenoid nutrients.

• Natural base of pure olive oil. Part of the human food chain, olive oil promotes ingredient stability and helps optimize carotenoid absorption.

• Contains pure lecithin from soybeans. Lecithin helps maximize stability of carotenoid nutrients and aids their dispersion during digestion.

• 100% natural. Contains no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners.

Due to the strength of independent research studies and the leading-edge technology that the product represents, GNLD was able in 1996 to demonstrate to patent examiners in the United Kingdom that Carotenoid Complex is a unique, advanced nutritional supplement. The result was the issuance of British patent no. 2,274,235, protecting Carotenoid Complex from imitation.

CAROTENOID COMPLEX IS USDA TESTED!

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists conducted clinical research studies on Carotenoid Complex, GNLD’s exclusive broad-spectrum carotenoid supplement from whole foods, and published their findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The USDA studies showed that Carotenoid Complex:

• Dramatically enhanced the immune response of white blood cells — “natural killer” cells and lymphocytes — greater than responses obtained at baseline and with beta-carotene supplementation alone.

• Reduced blood lipid oxidation, an event that may contribute to atherosclerosis, the arterial blockage that can lead to heart disease and stroke.

• Prevented the oxidation of cellular lipids, whereas supplementation with beta-carotene alone did not. Oxidation can contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.

Financial disclosure: The Center for Optimal Health, Inc is an independent distributor of GNLD products.

—August 2007

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