The retina selectively retains high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers, which can be up to 1,000-fold higher than in other tissues. While lutein is a potent antioxidant that provides a significant amount of the total carotenoid content of the eye, healthy eyes require more than lutein alone and a formula containing all three macular carotenoids offers greater protection to retinal tissue. Another advantage of a complete macular carotenoid formula is that it offers broader antioxidant and blue light protection. Lutemax 2020 is a naturally derived, patented extract from marigold flower to contain all three macular carotenoids in a 5-to-1 ratio as found naturally in the diet.
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in young, healthy subjects, Lutemax 2020 supplementation led to a statistically significant increase in serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations within two weeks. More importantly, Lutemax 2020 resulted in a rapid retinal response, significantly increasing MPOD over placebo in as little as 8 weeks.
Several studies demonstrate that Lutemax 2020 improves markers of visual performance, including: contrast sensitivity – the ability to make objects visually distinguishable; Photostress recovery – the ability of the eyes to recover from exposure to sudden bright light or adjusting to darker environments; and glare performance – how well the eyes see clearly under conditions of bright light.
The B.L.U.E. (an acronym for Blue Light User Exposure) study was the first to demonstrate how macular carotenoids support visual function and reduce the symptoms of prolonged screen time, including eyestrain, eye fatigue, headache frequency and sleep quality. This 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated young healthy subjects exposed to 6-hours per day of screen time who supplemented with Lutemax 2020 or placebo.
The result showed that MPOD, indicators of visual performance (i.e., contrast sensitivity, disability glare, photo-stress recovery, visual processing speed), and symptoms resulting from prolonged blue light exposure (headache frequency, eyestrain, eye fatigue and sleep quality) all significantly improved. For the first time, the B.L.U.E. study demonstrated a direct link between supplementation with macular carotenoids and their protective qualities during prolonged screen time.
Because of its role in the eye-brain connection, Lutemax 2020 was studied for stress benefits in a 12-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in young, healthy subjects. At six months measures of psychological stress, serum cortisol, and measures of emotional and physical health all significantly improved versus placebo. These outcomes were either maintained or improved further at 12 months. Supplementation with Lutemax 2020 significantly reduces stress, cortisol, and symptoms of sub-optimal emotional and physical health and highlights the importance of these nutrients for daily stress support.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein found in the central nervous system and plays a role in supporting the growth and differentiation of neurons. In the brain, BDNF is thought to play a vital role in learning and memory. A six-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in young, healthy subjects evaluated the effects of Lutemax 2020 to improve BDNF and cognitive performance. Supplementation resulted in significant increases in BDNF, serum and retinal concentrations of macular carotenoids and antioxidant capacity. Lutemax 2020 also enhanced several parameters of cognitive performance including composite memory, verbal memory, sustained attention, psychomotor speed and processing speed. The significant relationships between Lutemax 2020 supplementation, BDNF and cognitive performance lend credence to the idea that macular carotenoids play a vital role in both the eyes and brain.
Out of more than 600 carotenoids found in nature, lutein, RR-zeaxanthin and RS-zeaxanthin – the macular carotenoids – have garnered considerable attention for their role in preserving healthy vision.
Learn more information on the essentiality of lutein and the benefits of Lutemax 2020.
