The eye is one of the important sense organ of the human being and it will be stressed every day because of working at the computer, watching TV or driving car at night. Additionally the metabolism of the eye can be negative influenced because of short of sleep, dry air or nicotin. The eye needs a specific number of vitamins, micro-elements and secondary plant materials. The human body is not able to build these substances, so it is important to take this substances wit the daily nutrition. EuRho®Vital Eye capsules contains important vital substances. The vitamin A is a component of the rhodopsin and it‘s necessary for vision. The Vitamin C sustains the body‘s defences and vitamin E protects the cells. The micro-element zinc is an ingredient of a lot of enzymes and takes part in important metabolism-processes. The natural carotenoid lutein is absorbed with the daily nutrition of vegetable food and helps maintain macula and retinal health.
1. General information about Lutein:
Lutein is one of over 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, lutein is employed by organisms as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption. Lutein is present in the plant as fatty-acid ester, with one or two fatty acids . Lutein is a lipophilic molecule and is generally insoluble in water. Carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble substances, and as such require the presence of dietary fat for proper absorption through the digestive tract. Consequently, carotenoid status may be impaired by a diet that is extremely low in fat or in case of a medical condition that causes a reduction in the ability to absorb dietary fat such as pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, cystic fibrosis, surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, gall bladder disease, and liver disease.
Research suggests a minimum of 6-10 mg per day of lutein from dark green leafy vegetables and other sources is necessary to realize lutein’s health benefits.
Lutein provides nutritional support to our eyes. Lutein has been linked to promoting healthy eyes through reducing the risk of macular degeneration. There is epidemiological evidence of a relationship between low plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin on the one hand, and the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. (AMD) on the other.AMD (age related macular degeneration ) occurs when the fragile center of the retina–the macula–deteriorates from a lifetime of slow but steady damage. The macula is a small area of the retina responsible for central vision, and high visual acuity. Poor macular health can cause oxidative stress within the retina, leading to a loss of central vision.
According to AMD Alliance International dry AMD, the more common and milder form of AMD, accounts for 85% to 90% of all cases. It develops gradually over time and usually causes only mild loss of vision. One key identifier for AMD is the collection of small, round, white-yellow, fatty deposits called drusen in the central part of the retina. Drusen accumulate in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) tissue beneath the macula and the macula thins and dries out. The amount of vision loss is related to the location and amount of macular thinning caused by the drusen. Sometimes abnormal new blood vessels form (wet AMD).
Although the wet form of AMD accounts for only 10 – 15% of all AMD, the chance for severe sight loss is much greater. It is responsible for 90% of severe vision loss associated with AMD. Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels, or choroidal neovascularization (CNV), under the central part of the retina, the macula. These abnormal vessels leak fluid and blood into the tissue at the back of the eye, causing a blister to form in the retina. This progression leads to scar tissue, distortion and a loss of central vision. Wet AMD can rapidly damage the macula and result in a very quick loss of central vision.
Lutein and its related compound zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, providing a yellow color known as the macular pigment (MP).The macular pigment protects the macula from the damaging photo-oxidative effects of blue light.Of the 600 or so carotenoids present in nature, only a handful are present in human serum. Of those, nature has chosen only lutein and zeaxanthin to be present in the macula. These facts alone suggest that lutein plays a critical role in eye health. There is a wealth of data available supporting a role for lutein in reducing the risk of AMD. There are a number of observational studies showing the association between lutein intake, serum levels, macular pigment density (MPD), and AMD risk in humans. In a study, which involves adults from 43-84 years of age, suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin intake may reduce the incidence of cataracts.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the lens. In a similar study, Brown and collaborators studied the association between carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) and Vitamin A intakes and cataracts extraction in 36,344 male health professionals 45 to 75 years old. Researchers found that men with the highest consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 19 percent lower risk of cataract extraction compared to men with the lowest consumption.
Skin health
Skin and eyes are the only organs of the body directly exposed to the outside environment. studies suggest that a mixture of nutrients, including lutein, may provide supplemental antioxidant capacity to the skin, helping counteract free radical damage. lutein is an antioxidant that appears to quench or reduce harmful free radicals in various parts of the body.Free radicals can play a role in a variety of chronic diseases. Lutein also filters the high-energy, blue wavelengths of light from the visible-light spectrum by as much as 90%. Blue light, in both indoor lighting and sunlight, is believed to induce oxidative stress and possible free-radical damage in human organs exposed to light, such as the eyes and skin. Blue light is not the same as the commonly known ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B wavelengths of the invisible spectrum. Similar to our eyes, lutein is deposited throughout our skin through the lutein we consume. Research suggests 10 mg of lutein from food or dietary supplements, may play a role in maintaining healthy skin. Also a recent human clinical study showed 10 mg of lutein daily increased skin hydration, elasticity and skin lipid content. Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Along with our eyes, it is the only organ of the body constantly exposed to the environment. Skin is "assaulted" by
Light (especially ultraviolet and visible wavelengths)
Environmental pollutants
Such exposure can create reactive oxygen species, leading to cell-damaging free radicals within skin. The skin provides numerous functions. It acts as a barrier of protection for the internal organs. It regulates body temperature. It plays an important role in immunological response. Therefore, it is important to protect the skin.
Cardiovascular health
Research suggests lutein plays a significant role in human health. For cardiovascular health, lutein present in blood serum may favorably impact arterial wall thickening, a component of atherosclerosis.At least one published study produced findings that suggested higher levels of lutein in the serum may be linked with less thickening of arterials walls.
Women health
Because women are in higher risk to AMD and cataract ,and in pregnancy or lactation period there is more need to lutein, consuming lutein supplementation is more important for women.
Other benefits as a carotenoid
lutein is one of the important members of carotenoids. Carotenoids have so many roles in human health as below:
Lutein is a member of carotenoids . A low dietary intake of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin is not known to directly cause any diseases or health conditions, at least in the short term although long-term inadequate intake of carotenoids is associated with chronic disease, including heart disease and various cancers. One important mechanism for this carotenoid-disease relationship appears to be free radicals. Research indicates that diets low in carotenoids can increase the body's susceptibility to damage from free radicals. As a result, over the long term, carotenoid-deficient diets may increase tissue damage from free radical activity, and increase risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancers.
Due to low consumption of fruits and vegetables, many adolescents and young adults do not take in enough carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. In addition, if you smoke cigarettes and/or drink alcohol, you may have lower than normal blood levels of carotenoids. Statistically speaking, smokers and drinkers eat fewer foods that contain lutein and zeaxanthin. Also, researchers suspect that cigarette smoke destroys carotenoids.
Carrots, squash and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are sources of lutein. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, also contain high amounts of lutein. All are an important part of a healthy diet. Lutein is also available as a dietary supplement.
There is approximately 75 to 150 mg of copper in the adult human body. Newborn infants have higher concentrations of copper than adults. The liver, brain, kidneys, heart, and hair contain relatively high concentrations. The average serum copper levels are higher in adult females than in males. The serum copper levels also increase significantly in women during pregnancy and when taking oral contraceptives. In the human body, copper is a constituent of several enzymes and is found in combination with several proteins in the blood.
Ceruloplasmin, a copper-containing plasma enzyme, catalyses the oxidation of the ferrous ion to ferric ion, and thereby enables iron to be trapped by transferrin (a protein transporting iron in the blood). It is then transported to tissues for the synthesis of iron-containing compounds, especially haemoglobin.
Copper is mostly absorbed at the level of the duodenum in the intestine. Approximately 32 per cent of the copper in the diet is absorbed. Excess copper is excreted in the bile. Copper helps the conversion of iron into haemoglobin. It stimulates the growth of red blood cells. It is also an integral part of certain digestive enzymes. It makes the amino acid - tyrosine - usable, enabling it to work as the pigmenting factor for the hair and skin. It is also essential for the utilization of vitamin C. Copper deficiency may result in weakness of the body, digestive disturbances, and impaired respiration. Anaemia due to copper deficiency has not been reported in adults.
All medicinal iron preparations contain traces of copper. Infants, especially those who are born premature, may develop copper deficiency, which usually presents itself as chronic diarrhoea, and later develops into anaemia which does not respond to iron. Copper deficiency has been reported in protein energy malnutrition.
The human need for zinc is small, but its role in growth and well-being is enormous, starting even before birth. The entire body of a normal man weighing 70 kg may contain 1.4 to 2.3 g of zinc. Zinc is present in small amounts in all tissues. The bones, teeth, and the pancreas contain slightly higher amounts of zinc than other tissues. Whole blood contains about 0.7 mg/100 ml, while blood serum or plasma contains 0.1 mg/100 ml. Zinc is a bluish-white, metallic element.
It is present in the body mostly in combination with other constituents of the body. About 20 to 30 per cent of the zinc in foods is absorbed by the body through the small intestine. This absorption is decreased by fibres, calcium, copper, phytate, and phosphate in pulses. In contrast, amino acids and peptides increase zinc absorption. Nearly 99 per cent of the total zinc in the body is stored in cells and the remainder in the plasma and extracellular fluids. Excretion of zinc occurs principally through secretions of the pancreas and intestine. Zinc is needed for a healthy skin and hair, proper healing of wounds, successful pregnancies, and male virility. It plays a vital role in guarding against disease and infection. It is needed to transport vitamin A to the retina.
Almost all the enzymes in the body require zinc for their functioning. It has long been known that growth and sexual maturity depend on zinc amongst other things. Zinc may accelerate the healing of chronic skin ulcers and wounds. Patients with these problems have a low content of zinc in the plasma for many weeks despite corticosteroid therapy. Zinc seems to offer new promise of help for acne patients. It has shown draillatic results in some cases. Zinc has also been found beneficial in the treatment of eczema.
Many people with this skin problem have tried and benefitted from zinc supplements. Administration of zinc has been found to be helpful in cases of prostate enlargement. About 30 mg of this mineral should be taken daily in the treatment of these disorders. Zinc deficiency in the diet has been reported to be the cause of anaemia, retardation in growth, and delayed genital maturation. White spots on the fingernails means dietary Zinc is not being absorbed. Taking a Zinc multivitamin will usually take care of it.
Approximately 80% of vitamin A is absorbed in the human system. It is passed along with fat through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream. The absorption of vitamin A increases if it is taken with fats. Absorption is more rapid in men than in women. The absorption of this vitamin is poor in cases of diarrhoea, jaundice, and abdominal disorders. Vitamin A is stored in the liver. A healthy person can store about 97.2 mcg of vitamin A per g of liver.
Thus an average liver weighing 1500 g can store 150,000 mcg of vitamin A. The best-defined function of vitamin A is its role in vision. It provides the required stimulation for vision in the retina. In addition, vitamin A is required for growth, reproduction, and the maintenance of life. It builds up resistance to respiratory and other infections, and keeps the mucous linings and membranes of the body, especially those of the eyes, lungs, stomach, and intestines, in a healthy condition. It prevents eye diseases, aids in the secretion of gastric juices, and the digestion of protein. It also plays a vital role in preventing and clearing up infections of the skin, and in promoting healthy hair, teeth, and gums. Vitamin A increases the permeability of blood capillaries, thereby contributing better tissue oxygenation. It also heps prevent premature ageing and senility, increases life expectancy, and extends youthfulness.
Prolonged deficiency of vitamin A may result in inflammation of the eyes, poor vision, and nightblindness. There is an increased susceptibility to infections, especially of the respiratory tract, in the form of frequent and prolonged common colds. Vitamin A deficiency may lead to lack of appetite and vigour, defective teeth and gums, skin disorders such as acne, boils and premature wrinkles. When vitamin A is present in insufficient amounts, the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and mouth, the bronchial tubes, lungs, intestinal tract, kidneys and vagina are greatly affected.
Eventually the mucous membranes of the entire body lose their ability to secrete the normal quantities of mucus needed to protect them from irritation, and the body degenerates rapidly. Other deficiency symptoms include retarded growth in children, dry and dull hair, dandruff, excessive hair loss, ridged nails, and a poor sense of taste and smell.
Vitamin B3 or niacin is an important vitamin of the B group. From 1867 it was known as nicotinic acid to organic chemists. It is important for proper blood circulation and the healthy functioning of the nervous system. It maintains the normal functions of the gastrointestinal tract and is essential for the proper metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. It helps to maintain a healthy skin. Niacin dilates the blood capillary system. This vitamin is also essential for synthesis of the sex hormones, namely, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as cortisone, thyroxin, and insulin. It also maintains mental and emotional well-being. A mild deficiency of vitamin B3 or niacin may result in a coated tongue, sores in the mouth , irritability, nervousness, skin lesions, diarrhoea, forgetfulness, insomnia, chronic headaches, digestive disorders, and anaemia.Severe prolonged deficiency may cause neurasthenia (weakness of the nerves), mental disturbances, depression, mental dullness, and disorientation.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development. Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is necessary to form collagen, an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants. Vitamin E and beta-carotene are two other well-known antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which are by-products that result when our bodies transform food into energy. The build up of these by-products over time is largely responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of various health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and a host of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Antioxidants also help reduce the damage to the body caused by toxic chemicals and pollutants such as cigarette smoke.
Eight different tocopherol compounds with vitamin E activity have been identified until now. All of them have the same physiological properties. The tocopherols are yellow, oily liquids, freely soluble in fat solvents. They are not easily destroyed by heat even at room temperature above 100C. Substances which interfere with or destroy vitamin E in the body are iron compounds, synthetic oestrogen, and chlorine or chlorinated water. Approximately 50 to 85 percent of vitamin E in the diet is absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract by a mechanism similar to that of other fat-soluble vitamins. It enters the bloodstream via the lymph.
The vitamin is stored in all the tissues, and the tissue stores can provide protection against the deficiency of this vitamin for long periods. About one-third of the vitamin is excreted in the bile and the balance is excreted in the urine. The main functions of Vitamin E are to help protect the functioning of cells and the intracellular processes. Vitamin E oxygenates the tissues and reduces the need for oxygen intake markedly. It is essential for normal reproductory functions, fertility, and physical vigour. It prevents unsaturated fatty acids, sex hormones, and fat-soluble vitamins from being destroyed in the body by oxygen. Vitamin E dilates the capillaries and enables the blood to flow freely into blood-deficient muscle tissue, thus strengthening both the tissues and the nerves supplying them. It dissolves blood clots and also prevents their formation. It does not, however, interfere with the normal clotting of blood.
It prevents the formation of excessive scar tissues and in some instances, even melts away unwanted scar tissue. It also promotes urine secretion. Vitamin E is said to be essential for prevention of heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and many other conditions. When applied topically, vitamin E has been known to improve skin moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provide modest photoprotection. Deficiency of vitamin E may lead to degenerative changes in the blood capillaries which, in turn, can lead to heart and lung disease, pulmonary embolism, and a brain stroke. Deficiency of this vitamin may also lead to loss of sexual potency. A prolonged deficiency may lead to reproductive disorders, abortions, miscarriages, male or female sterility, as well as muscular disorders.
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