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 but only in limited and safe amounts. Vitamin A is essential for protecting night vision and is vital for the health of the eye’s cornea. It also works with zinc and the amino acid taurine to support the normal function of various eye structures such as the photoreceptors of the retina. The formula provides 15 mg of beta-carotene in the same form and potency as that used in AREDS.

Vitamin C (1,000 mg)
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that is concentrated in ocular tissues where it deactivates free radicals. Free radicals are the highly reactive compounds produced through the body’s use of oxygen and generated by outside sources such as ultraviolet light. Oxidative damage to the retina is believed to be a risk factor for macular degeneration. Vitamin C also aids in the recycling of other antioxidants such as vitamin E. MacularProtect Complete supplies the form and level of vitamin C used in the AREDS clinical trial, 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. MacularProtect Complete uses natural source Vitamin E rather than synthetic, as research demonstrates that natural source 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. The formula includes 400 IU of vitamin E, the level used 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 Complete provides 80 mg of zinc in the same form and amount provided to participants in the AREDS clinical trial.

copper (2 mg)
Copper is a mineral that is necessary for the function of an antioxidant enzyme. It is also needed to produce 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 Complete to help ensure adequate levels of this essential mineral in the body. The amount of supplemental copper in this formula 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, zeaxanthin and lutein 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 studies also indicate that consumption of these carotenoids can favorably modify the pigment density 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. The ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein within this formula reflects the levels naturally present in the diet.

Other Essential Nutrients for Eye and whole body Health
B-vitamins, according to research, can reduce artery-damaging levels of homocysteine in the body, thus helping to retain normal cardiovascular function. MacularProtect Complete provides robust levels of key B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, which can be difficult to absorb by those over 50, as well as vitamin B6 and folic acid for artery and colon health.

Plant compounds with antioxidant activity such as the flavonoids contribute to the health benefits of eating 5 or more fruit and vegetable servings daily. Flavonoids support healthy circulation by modifying platelet aggregation and increasing the antioxidant capacity of blood. MacularProtect Complete contains a unique array of protective flavonoids from diverse sources: bilberry, citrus, grape seed, Ginkgo biloba and quercetin, which is found in many fruits and 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.