THE SCIENCE BEHIND MACUSHIELD
Good nutrition goes hand-in-hand with overall health and wellbeing*, but certain nutrients are found in high concentrations in the eye, such as Lutein, Meso-Zeaxanthin and Zeaxanthin.
The retina
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. It acts like the film in a camera; images come through the eyes’ lens and are focused on the retina. The retina then converts these images to electric signals and sends them via the optic nerve to the brain.
The macula
The macula is part of the retina – an area at the back of your eye that is responsible for our central vision. The macula gives us sharp and detailed vision at the centre of your eye-line, which is essential for activities like reading and driving.
Macular carotenoids
The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina, and has a very high concentration of light-sensitive cells which help to give us this detailed central vision. The body naturally deposits the macular carotenoids at the macula.
Macular pigment
This is called the macular pigment, and looks like a yellow spot at the back of the eye. The three macular carotenoids are lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Meso-zeaxanthin is particularly concentrated at the centre of this pigment.
Nutrition for your macula
Macular carotenoids are found in high concentrations at the back of the eye, in the macula. Learn more about nutrition for your macula in this short video.
Sources of macular carotenoids
The body can’t make macular carotenoids, so we have to consume them in our diet. An average western diet contains approximately 1.3-3mg of these carotenoids each day.
Lutein
Lutein is found in dark green leafy vegetables – like spinach and kale – as well as in corn and eggs.
Meso-zeaxanthin
Meso-zeaxanthin is found mainly in fish products, specifically the skin of salmon, sardine, and trout.
Zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin, like lutein, is found in dark green leafy vegetables, as well as in sweetcorn and eggs.
Did you know?
Every MacuShield® product contains all three macular carotenoids, providing 10mg of lutein, 10mg of meso-zeaxanthin and 2mg of zeaxanthin per day. This formula of macular carotenoids has been developed in collaboration with leading eye experts. The macular carotenoids in MacuShield® are obtained from marigolds (Tagetes Erecta), specifically grown for this purpose. MacuShield® products are nutritional supplements and should not replace a balanced diet.
Nutrients to support eye health
Certain nutrients help to maintain normal vision and support eye health.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps support the maintenance of normal vision.
Zinc
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
Vitamin E and C
Vitamin E contributes to the protections of cells from oxidative stress.
*MacuShield Original+, Chewable and Original+ Vegetarian contain vitamin B2, which helps to maintain normal vision. MacuShield Gold contains Zinc, which helps to maintain normal vision.
JB-001834 December 2022