Vitamin A + Carotenoids

• Helps to maintain eyesight, skin, membranes and immune function
• Provides antioxidants for the maintenance of good eye health

Vitamin A is essential to the healthy functioning of a number of biological processes, including vision, the integrity of mucosal and epithelial surfaces, and the body's immune defence system. While many individuals are able to convert provitamin A carotenoids, like beta carotene, into active vitamin A, recent research has revealed that genetic variations can limit the ease of this conversion for some. Genetic variations in the enzyme BCMO1 (?-Carotene 15,15’-monooxygenase 1) can decrease the conversion efficacy of carotenoids into retinal by up to 69%.¹ Known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), these common variations can be bypassed with dietary retinol (vitamin A).² Since variations in the BCMO1 gene have also been associated with macular pigment density, this formula includes a blend of lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin.³ Lutein and zeaxanthin, the two carotenoids found in macular pigment, are antioxidants that help to maintain good eye health.⁴ Astaxanthin further supports antioxidant defences by protecting the phospholipid membranes of cells from oxidative damage.

REFERENCES
1. Lietz G, et al. J Nutr.2012 Jan;142(1):161S-5S.
2. Leung WC, et al. FASEB J.2009 Apr;23(4):1041-53.
3. Feigl B, et al. PLoS One. 2014 Feb 19;9(2):e89069.
4. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group, Chew EY, Clemons TE, et al. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 Feb;132(2):142-9.