What are the best dietary supplements for eye health?

Like every other hard-working system of the human body, eye health is at the mercy of the nutrients you put into your body.  Not only do they help ensure that the delicate regions of the eyes are functioning properly, they also work to fight free radicals and increase the circulation to the tiny vessels that carry the compounds they rely on. 

 

Here are a few of the best nutrients for eye health.

 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for the maintenance of healthy tissues, especially those in the skin, eyes, respiratory system, GI and urinary tracts.

 

Vitamin C

A powerful free radical fighter, essential to healthy cells and eye health.

 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a major antioxidant and the primary defense against lipid peroxidation. It is particularly important in protecting the body's cells from free radical/oxidative damage. These protective benefits are achievable with supplement intakes higher.

 

Lutein

An eye health essential, this carotenoid that gives certain vegetables their dark green pigment, Lutein has enjoyed growing popularity in recent years. Research has shown that lutein protects the macular region of the eye from age-related decline, or macular degeneration. Lutein makes up most of the pigment in the retina of the human eye. However, damaging UV rays from the sun, as well as other environmental and endogenous factors, can deplete Lutein levels, so supplementation is important if you don’t eat green leafy vegetables.

 

Zinc

Zinc is as essential mineral that plays an important role in many enzymatic functions, including those centered on eye health.  Found primarily in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and brain, Zinc also helps support healthy immune system functions and is an important component of bodily antioxidant systems.

 

Selenium

Selenium is as essential trace mineral and functions as part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione perioxidase. It is bonded to the essential sulfur amino acid, methionine, in a naturally occurring form as found in the diet, and plays a notable role in supporting eye health and vision.

 

Bilberry

The eye health inspired popularity of Bilberry has erupted over the past few years as research continues to uncover new benefits. This member of the Vaccinium family gets its strength from anthocyanosides, natural substances that increase circulation to the small blood vessels of the eyes responsible for visual function and protection.

 

Green Tea

Green Tea extracts are loaded with antioxidant compounds that can help protect many tissues throughout the body, including the eyes and macular structures.

 

CoQ10

This vitamin-like compound is present in every living cell, and serves as a powerful antioxidant capable of protecting the most demanding tissues.  These include the eyes, heart, lungs and others.