EYE-XL Plus contains FloraGLO ® Lutein which is a purified form of lutein. Unlike other forms of lutein, FloraGLO ® Lutein contains no esterfied fatty acids. Therefore, FloraGLO ® Lutein is directly absorbed by the human body. Zeaxanthin is also added to  EYE-XL Plus as this is another powerful antioxidant found in the macula of the eye.

EYE-XL Plus is a high strength
formula, which contains (per capsule) 10mg FloraGLO ® Lutein. This is suitable for older people, generally over 50, who are more vulnerable to macular degeneration. EYE-XL Plus is also suitable for people who spend a lot of their time outdoors as they are more exposed to bright sunlight. The daily dosage may be increased safely to 20mg, which will provide even more protection.

What are Lutein and Zeaxanthin?

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are powerful anti-oxidant carotenoids found in fruits and green leafy vegetables. These nutrients are naturally found in the macula of the eye. The macula is located in the centre of the retina and is responsible for good central vision.

Many studies have shown that Lutein and Zeaxanthin may help to shield the macula from damaging light and to protect it from harmful oxidization. With advancing age, these essential nutrients decline in the macula, which may lead to a deterioration or even loss of eyesight. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in Western society today.

The recently published Lutein Anti-oxidant Supplement Trial (L.A.S.T.) examined lutein's role in AMD. The study suggests that AMD is, at least in part, nutrition responsive and that supplementation, particularly with lutein, may improve eye function and slow the progression of AMD. The L.A.S.T. Study clearly supports what scientific research has been unveiling for several years – the role of lutein in eye health.

The most recent scientific research on lutein supplementation supports a minimum daily intake of 6mg to help protect the macula from damaging light and oxidization. Leading multivitamin brands now contain added lutein but the daily dosage amounts typically provide only 1mg or even less. Since the average diet provides only 2mg lutein, supplementation with multivitamins is insufficient to provide this minimum daily intake of 6mg.

Age-related Macular Degeneration

"Age-related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of untreated vision loss in aging Western societies, accounting for 45% of all visual disability. Low intake of Lutein is a major risk factor for advanced ARMD"
Source: L.A.S.T. (Lutein Antioxicant Supplementation Trial) Study, April 2004

Epidemiologic studies such as this one conducted by Harvard University (Dr. Johanna Seddon) show a correlation between the intake of lutein and the risk of developing AMD. These researchers found that people that consumed 6 mg of lutein per day had 57% lower risk of developing AMD relative to those consuming only 0.5 mg/day. These findings are supported by the fact that a similar relationship exists between intake of spinach (food high in lutein) and AMD. It is also supported by data showing an inverse relation between serum lutein levels and AMD risk.

Average Lutein consumption in Europe is 2.2 mg/day.
O'Neill M.E. et al, 2001

The suggested daily Lutein intake for prevention of AMD is 6mg from foods and/or supplements.
Seddon J. et al, 1994

Now with LAST, recommended dose may rise to 10 mg/day!
Richer et al, 2004

Test your eyesight

Eye doctors use a simple device to test the early and progressive effects of Age-related Macular Degeneration. It's called an Amsler Grid.

The Amsler Grid is used in the doctor's office to detect changes in vision. Doctors also ask patients to test their own vision by posting the grid on the refrigerator or somewhere else at home. Then patients can report any changes they detect.

• Place the grid at approximately 12 inches from your eyes,
wearing glasses if you need them.

• Cover your left eye and look closely at the dot in the center of the grid.
Then cover your right eye and repeat the exercise.

• Are the lines straight or are they wavy and distorted?

• Does it seem like any pieces of the grid are missing or warped (like at bottom right)?