A Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the modulatory effect of Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplementation on Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD), Glare disability and photo stress in healthy subjects.

Lutein Zeaxanthin 20:4 sourced from marigold scientifically known as Tagetes erecta which is the most abundant natural source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin. The flowers of the plant are used in the extraction of Lutein & Zeaxanthin using a unique extraction technique with Hexane as the solvent. It is uniformly dispersed in sunflower oil to create homogenized mixture. The product is brick red free flowing viscous paste with characteristic odour with lutein not less than 20% and Zeaxanthin not less than 4%. The product is narrow particle size distribution, which is largely responsible for its efficacy. These macular pigments protect eyes from oxidative processes when exposed to light acting as filters in that they improve vision by increasing both the Glare of objects and their background. Lutein and Zeaxanthin reduce the lipid peroxidation which leads to damage of biological membranes, resulting in ocular tissue damage and macular degeneration.

Macular pigments promote vision in a number of different ways. Blue light filtration lessens chromatic aberration, which can improve visual acuity. The supplementation is observed to elevate the levels of anti-oxidant enzymes significantly by their strong anti-oxidant effect, may reduce the oxidative damage and minimize oxidative stress. This prevents damage to the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells. The mechanisms responsible for the action of Lutein and Zeaxanthin by actively quenching singlet oxygen and associated free radicals in the retina, they can further reduce oxidation by filtering blue light to prevent the development of reactive oxygen species, particularly singlet oxygen, in the retina. Also includes prevention of phototoxic damage by absorbing solar radiation, reduction of oxidative stress by scavenging ROS, and antioxidant, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory properties and naturally either help prevent or reduce the risk of progression of eye diseases like age related macular degeneration and cataracts.