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MacularProtect Complete Drink Mix Highlights
Improved Formula! Easy-to-swallow drink mix in tasty, all-natural orange flavor!
Provides the AREDS formula vitamins, minerals, lutein and zeaxanthin found to preserve eyesight in the landmark AREDS and AREDS 2 clinical trials, sponsored by the National Eye Institute.
Reflecting AREDS 2 findings, this product is free of beta-carotene and should be appropriate for those, such as smokers or ex-smokers, who should avoid high beta-carotene intake.
Contains 10 mg of bioavailable FloraGLO® lutein – plus 1 mg of zeaxanthin.
Features complete multinutrient support with 30 additional nutrients, including a diverse array of bioflavonoids, antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals to protect the health of the whole body.
Appropriate for individuals concerned about preserving their eyesight and overall body health.
An excellent value, this convenient, all-in-one formula provides powerful protection for macular and whole body health. In addition to the AREDS2 formula, MacularProtect Complete-S Drink Mix also includes a robust multivitamin component. No additional multivitamin is needed.
Made from premium ingredients in NSF-Certified facilities.
New! Tasty drink mix with natural mango lemonade flavor.
Suggested Use: Mix one scoop with 1 cup (8 fl. oz) of water and stir vigorously. Store in a cool, dry place; do not refrigerate. Use a dry scoop, and replace cap tightly immediately after use.
Note: pregnant or lactating women or individuals with medical conditions should consult a physician before using.
View product shelf life information
Note: There are minor differences between the drink mix and capsule formulas to optimize drink mix taste and solubility. View differences.
ScienceBased Health (SBH) continually evaluates emerging scientific evidence and SBH products reflect the most current science available. Select a category below to view science information for this product:
Vitamin A (500 IU)
Vitamin A is essential for protecting night vision and is vital for corneal health. It also works with zinc and the amino acid taurine to support function of eye structures such as retinal photoreceptors. The formula contributes a conservative level (as retinyl palmitate) to ensure adequate body stores.
Vitamin C (750 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 UV 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. Evidence indicates that vitamin C and E requirements are higher in smokers – a group at higher risk for AMD. MacularProtect Complete AREDS2 supplies the form and level of vitamin C used in AREDS, plus an additional 250 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 AREDS2 uses natural source vitamin E rather than synthetic, as research shows 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 AREDS.
Zinc (80 mg)
Zinc is an essential mineral that is selectively concentrated in the eye. It is found in the retina, 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 AREDS2 provides the same form and level provided to AREDS participants.
Copper (2 mg)
The mineral copper is necessary for function of a key 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 AREDS2 to help ensure adequate levels of this essential mineral. The formula's copper level represents 100% of the Daily Value and is the form and amount use in the AREDS trial.
Lutein, FloraGLO® (10 mg) and Zeaxanthin (2 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 cause photo-oxidative stress.
Intervention studies indicate supplementation with these carotenoids can favorably modify the pigment density of the macula. AREDS2 reported an 18% reduction in progression to advanced AMD in participants who received the AREDS supplement with lutein/zeaxanthin in place of beta-carotene (compared to those taking the original AREDS supplement with beta-carotene). For participants receiving lutein/zeaxanthin supplements, a 26% reduced risk of progression was seen in those consuming the least lutein/zeaxanthin at the study’s start, compared to those consuming the most. The average daily intake of these two carotenoids among Americans 50 and older is less than 2 mg – far lower than the 12 mg tested in AREDS2. The formula's lutein/zeaxanthin level reflects that used in AREDS2.
Other Essential Nutrients for Eye and Whole Body Health
MacularProtect Complete AREDS2 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 folate for artery and colon health. A large clinical trial found this B vitamin trio reduced AMD risk in women with or at risk for heart disease, and higher vitamin B12 and folic acid blood levels have been linked to lower AMD risk in an observational study. These B-vitamins may also support cognitive function.
Plant compounds with antioxidant activity such as the flavonoids contribute to the health benefits of eating five or more fruit and vegetable servings daily. Regular intake of berry flavonoids, for example, is linked to better odds of retaining heart health. MacularProtect Complete AREDS2 contains a unique array of protective flavonoids from diverse sources: bilberry, citrus, grape seed, Ginkgo biloba, turmeric and quercetin, which is found in many fruits and vegetables.
Following are some frequently asked questions about this product. Click on a question to view each answer.
Yes. MacularProtect Complete AREDS2 uses exactly the same formula as MacularProtect Complete-S.
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The findings for the Age-Related Disease Study (AREDS) were released in October, 2001. The AREDS clinical trial has been heralded by doctors and nutrition experts as the most significant clinical trial on nutrition and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ever. Findings of the 6 ½ year AREDS clinical trial, demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the rate of progression of AMD in 3,640 patients taking a supplement containing vitamins, antioxidants and zinc.
The AREDS2 clinical trial, released in May, 2013, tested several variations of the original AREDS supplement, in addition to omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, and lutein and zeaxanthin. Read more about the findings here. Based on the findings from AREDS2, the National Eye Institute now recommends a beta-carotene free formula (with lutein and zeaxanthin), such as MacularProtect Complete AREDS2.
A recent analysis of genetic data from the AREDS clinical trial questions the role of zinc for those with certain genetic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration. However, these findings are not supported by an earlier analysis of AREDS data, which found health benefits from zinc across all genetic profiles examined. SBH has consulted with top experts in the fields of genetics and nutrition - including Elizabeth Johnson, PhD of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, and Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition and Science Policy at Tufts University.
Since there have been only two studies of limited size on this topic, and since the most recent findings have not been corroborated, more research is clearly needed. The National Eye Institute continues to recommend a macular formula that includes 80 mg of zinc for those with intermediate to advanced AMD. SBH will continue to monitor the research on this topic. To view SBH's detailed response to this issue, click here.
MacularProtect AREDS2 is a stand-alone product based on AREDS and AREDS2 - but does not provide a multinutrient component.
MacularProtect-Complete AREDS2 is a convenient, all-in-one nutritional formulation that includes the nutrients at levels studied in the AREDS and AREDS2 clinical trials plus a complete multinutrient for whole body health. It is free of beta-carotene for those who should avoid high levels, such as smokers.
MacularProtect-Complete AREDS2 was created in response to doctor concern that patients combining a potent AREDS formula with a separate multivitamin may be exceeding safe levels of certain nutrients, such as zinc. MacularProtect-Complete AREDS2 is carefully formulated to provide complete support for macular and whole body health while ensuring proper nutrient levels. It is also a convenient alternative to having to manage multiple nutritional products. Choose a link below to view a comparison:
"Recent studies have validated the importance of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of various eye conditions. It is important that patients select a quality product that provides optimal levels of key nutrients that have scientifically been shown to protect our eye health. MacularProtect Complete delivers the key nutrients found to protect macular health in the National Eye Institute's AREDS research and also includes a comprehensive multivitamin that provides maximum support for overall body health. This all-in-one product is a convenient solution to the confusion and safety issues that both clinicians and patients face when trying to combine various products to achieve this level of coverage."
- James Thimons, OD, FAAO Executive Director, Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut Clinical Professor, New England College of Optometry, Fairfield, CT "I began taking MacularProtect Complete AREDS2 about a year ago. I had just been diagnosed with macular degeneration and wanted to do whatever I could to at least slow down the process and protect my eyesight. The retinologist recommended this product to me and I have taken it faithfully since then. I feel it has been a big help as my eyesight seems to be about the same as it was a year ago. In the past, my eyesight was getting a little worse every year.
Thank you for making such a wonderful product!"
- B. Lessard, Montclair, CA
"I have used Macular Protect Complete regularly for several years as recommended by my ophthalmologist. I had been undergoing frequent prescription changes for several years. I replaced my regular daily vitamin supplement with MacularProtect Complete and my eyeglass prescription has now been stable for a couple of years. "
K. Ellis, Saint Joseph, IL
"I began taking MacularProtect Complete more than four years ago at the recommendation of my ophthalmologist. In that period of time, there has been no appreciable change in my vision. That's not bad for an 89-year old!"
H. Neidig, Lebanon, PA
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