Beta-Carotene (15 mg, 25,000 IU)*
Beta-carotene functions primarily as a fat-soluble antioxidant. It can also be converted to vitamin A as needed by the body. The amount of beta-carotene in MacularProtect is theoretically equivalent to 25,000 IU vitamin A, although actual conversion rates vary with individual need.

Vitamin A is essential for proper eye health; it protects night vision and is vital for the health of the eye’s cornea. It also works with zinc to support the proper function of various eye structures. Vitamin A serves an important role in interactions with zinc and the amino acid taurine within the photoreceptors of the retina. MacularProtect contains 15 mg of beta-carotene in the same form and potency as that used in the AREDS trial.

Vitamin C (1,000 mg)
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that is concentrated in ocular tissues where it inactivates free radicals. Free radicals are the highly reactive compounds produced through the body’s use of oxygen and generated by outside sources such as UV light. Oxidative damage to the retina is believed to be a risk factor for macular degeneration. As an integral component of the body’s antioxidant defenses, vitamin C also aids in the recycling of other antioxidants such as vitamin E. MacularProtect supplies the form and level administered in AREDS, plus an additional 500 mg.

Vitamin E (400 IU)
Fat soluble vitamin E is the major chain-breaking antioxidant present in retinal and macular membranes. As a first line of defense against fatty acid peroxidation, vitamin E helps protect cell membranes against free radical attack through its free radical-scavenging activity. MacularProtect provides the natural source rather than the synthetic form of vitamin E, as studies demonstrate that this form offers superior bioavailability and is better retained in tissues. It also delivers broad spectrum vitamin E from alpha to gamma tocopherol, that together play a health-protective role. MacularProtect includes 400 IU of vitamin E, the level administered in the AREDS clinical trial.

Zinc (80 mg)
Zinc is an essential mineral that is selectively concentrated in the eye. It is found in the retina and choroid, ciliary body, iris, optic nerve, sclera, cornea and lens. Within these ocular structures zinc is believed to interact with vitamin A and taurine to modify photoreceptor membranes, to help regulate the light-rhodopsin reaction, to influence nerve transmission and to serve as an antioxidant. MacularProtect provides 80 mg of zinc in the same form and level administered in the AREDS clinical trial.

Copper (2 mg)
Copper is a mineral that is necessary for normal development of connective tissue, nerve sheaths, skin pigment and for the proper utilization of iron. Since high levels of zinc compete with copper for absorption, copper is included in MacularProtect to help ensure an adequate level of this essential mineral in the body. The amount of supplemental copper in MacularProtect represents 100% of the Daily Value and is the form and amount administered in the AREDS clinical trial.

Lutein, FloraGLO^® (10 mg) and Zeaxanthin (1 mg)
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two similarly-structured carotenoids found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and mustard greens. These carotenoids make up the macular pigment of the retina, the tissue with the highest concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in the body. As part of the macular pigment, lutein and zeaxanthin filter blue (visible) light that can induce photo-oxidative stress.

Population health studies have noted that macular pigment density is positively associated with age-related macular health. Several intervention studies also indicate that consumption of these carotenoids from foods or supplements can favorably modify the optical pigment density or thickness of the macula. The amount of lutein supplied by MacularProtect Complete is consistent with that administered in a one-year clinical trial which reported improvements in visual performance for patients with AMD. The ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein within this formula reflects the levels naturally present in the diet.

MacularProtect provides FloraGLO® lutein, a premium source with proven bioavailability. Several studies have found FloraGLO® lutein to be as well or better absorbed than lutein from concentrated food sources such as spinach and green leafy vegetables.

* The level of beta-carotene studied in the AREDS clinical trial and provided in MacularProtect is not recommended for smokers and very recent ex-smokers. If you are a smoker or very recent ex-smoker, you may want to consider MacularProtect Complete®-S or MacularProtect Plus®.