Most people would consider vision to be the most precious of their senses, so it makes sense to protect it. Certain nutrients prevent damage to the eyes and improve vision. A few of these nutrients can be obtained sufficiently in food; most only by supplementation.
• Beta-carotene occurs as retinal in the photoreceptor cells; protects the cornea; improves night vision
• Lutein, astaxanthin & zeaxanthin are fat-soluble antioxidants concentrated in the lens and macula; protect delicate photoreceptor cells from UV rays and free radicals; prevent cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Astaxanthin is the most potent antioxidant for protecting the eyes; protects DHA oxidation in the eye; inhibits inflammation; reduces eyestrain fatigue from computer use; protects or treats AMD, Cataracts, Diplopia (double vision), Diabetic Retinopathy, and depth perception problems
• Anthocyanins, water-soluble antioxidants found in dark berry pigments (bilberries, blackberries, blueberries), protect the eyes and improve vision
• Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is the most important anthocyanin for the eyes; improves night vision, reduces eye fatigue from computers
• Vitamin E: gamma tocopherol (GT) and alpha tocopherol (AT) work more effectively together, with GT the most important; protect eyes from free radicals and inflammation; help prevent cataracts and AMD
• Benfotiamine is a special form of Thiamine (B1) for the eyes; helps prevent glaucoma, cataracts, AMD, Diabetic Retinopathy and eye inflammation
• Zinc and Selenium are mineral antioxidants; methionine form best for safety and bioavailability for the eyes; selenium reduces risk of AMD, cataracts and glaucoma; zinc is concentrated in choroid layer of the retina which provides oxygen and nutrients to the photoreceptor cells
• L-Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid essential for healthy eyes; improves Diabetic Retinopathy; helps prevent AMD
Source: Vision Health Formulas - powerpoint by RoseMarie Pierce, B.Sc.Pharm. 2013
For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.
Showing posts with label vitamin A. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vitamin A. Show all posts
July 8, 2013
March 8, 2011
056 Vitamin A Toxicity & Vitamin D Deficiency [29 March 2010]
Many recent studies have supported the role of vitamin D in the prevention of various cancers, as well as many other health benefits. A 2008 European study discovered that these benefits are reduced with high levels of vitamin A. This study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that adequate vitamin D levels reduced the risk of colon cancer except for people with high vitamin A levels.
Previous studies found that vitamin A toxicity was associated with impaired calcium absorption and increased hip fractures; a higher rate of respiratory infections; and an increased mortality. Even a meal of beef liver has been shown to temporarily impair calcium absorption. It now appears that at least some of these results can be explained by vitamin A’s antagonistic relationship with vitamin D. It also may explain why some vitamin D cancer studies showed mixed results.
Dr. John Jacob Cannell, MD of the Vitamin D Council (www.vitamindcouncil.org) explains that retinol, a form of vitamin A, inhibits activity of vitamin D. Consequently, too much vitamin A is as bad as not enough vitamin D. A balanced ratio of these two vitamins is critical and further study is needed to determine what this ideal ratio is.
Cannell also points out that while vitamin A deficiency is common in developing countries, in the United States and Canada it is rare because vitamin A’s precursor beta carotene is abundant in colored vegetables like carrots. In fact, vitamin A toxicity is much more common in North America than its deficiency. Multi vitamins commonly have a low amount of vitamin D (200-400 IU) and excess vitamin A (5,000-10,000 IU). Cod liver oil and halibut liver oil are both extremely high in vitamin A and low in vitamin D. It now appears that these products should be avoided.
Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and does not affect vitamin D activity. Our body converts beta carotene to vitamin A as needed. Also, fish body oils (e.g. salmon and herring) commonly taken as omega 3 supplements do not contain either vitamin A or vitamin D so are not a concern here.
Bottom line: avoid cod liver oil and halibut liver oil supplements and choose a multi vitamin with beta-carotene as its vitamin A source. To ensure adequate vitamin D levels, sunbathe daily in the summer and take vitamin D3 up to 5,000 IU daily in the winter. Eat your veggies but take a pass on the liver.
Codfish and halibut (and children who hate liver) should be grateful for this study!
This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.
Previous studies found that vitamin A toxicity was associated with impaired calcium absorption and increased hip fractures; a higher rate of respiratory infections; and an increased mortality. Even a meal of beef liver has been shown to temporarily impair calcium absorption. It now appears that at least some of these results can be explained by vitamin A’s antagonistic relationship with vitamin D. It also may explain why some vitamin D cancer studies showed mixed results.
Dr. John Jacob Cannell, MD of the Vitamin D Council (www.vitamindcouncil.org) explains that retinol, a form of vitamin A, inhibits activity of vitamin D. Consequently, too much vitamin A is as bad as not enough vitamin D. A balanced ratio of these two vitamins is critical and further study is needed to determine what this ideal ratio is.
Cannell also points out that while vitamin A deficiency is common in developing countries, in the United States and Canada it is rare because vitamin A’s precursor beta carotene is abundant in colored vegetables like carrots. In fact, vitamin A toxicity is much more common in North America than its deficiency. Multi vitamins commonly have a low amount of vitamin D (200-400 IU) and excess vitamin A (5,000-10,000 IU). Cod liver oil and halibut liver oil are both extremely high in vitamin A and low in vitamin D. It now appears that these products should be avoided.
Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and does not affect vitamin D activity. Our body converts beta carotene to vitamin A as needed. Also, fish body oils (e.g. salmon and herring) commonly taken as omega 3 supplements do not contain either vitamin A or vitamin D so are not a concern here.
Bottom line: avoid cod liver oil and halibut liver oil supplements and choose a multi vitamin with beta-carotene as its vitamin A source. To ensure adequate vitamin D levels, sunbathe daily in the summer and take vitamin D3 up to 5,000 IU daily in the winter. Eat your veggies but take a pass on the liver.
Codfish and halibut (and children who hate liver) should be grateful for this study!
This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.
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