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PRICE: $27.95
Suggested Use: take a total of two capsules daily, with meals (one capsule taken orally, twice daily).
Note: pregnant or lactating women or individuals with medical conditions should consult a physician before using.
Note: Note: MacularProtect contains 80 mg of zinc, a level that was found to support eye health in the AREDS clinical trial. It is important to check with your physician prior to taking this product to ensure that this level of zinc is appropriate for you.
ScienceBased Health (SBH) continually evaluates emerging scientific evidence and SBH products reflect the most current science available. Select a category below to view science information for this product:
New! Now with B-vitamins for greater macular health protection!
Vitamin C (750 mg) Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that is concentrated in ocular tissues where it deactivates free radicals. Free radicals are the highly reactive compounds produced through the body’s use of oxygen and generated by outside sources such as ultraviolet light. Oxidative damage to the retina is believed to be a risk factor for macular degeneration. Vitamin C also aids in the recycling of other antioxidants such as vitamin E. MacularProtect supplies the form and level of vitamin C used in the AREDS clinical trial, plus an additional 250 mg.
Vitamin E (400 IU) Fat soluble vitamin E is the major chain-breaking antioxidant present in retinal and macular membranes. As a first line of defense against fatty acid peroxidation, vitamin E helps protect cell membranes against free radical attack through its free radical-scavenging activity. MacularProtect provides the natural source rather than the synthetic form of vitamin E, as studies demonstrate that this form offers superior bioavailability and is better retained in tissues. It also delivers broad spectrum vitamin E from alpha to gamma tocopherol, that together play a health-protective role. MacularProtect includes 400 IU of vitamin E, the level used in AREDS.
Zinc (80 mg) Zinc is an essential mineral that is selectively concentrated in the eye. It is found in the retina and choroid, ciliary body, iris, optic nerve, sclera, cornea and lens. Within these ocular structures zinc is believed to interact with vitamin A and taurine to modify photoreceptor membranes, to help regulate the light-rhodopsin reaction, to influence nerve transmission and to serve as an antioxidant. MacularProtect provides 80 mg of zinc in the form and amount administered in the AREDS clinical trial.
Copper (2 mg) Copper is a mineral that is necessary for normal development of connective tissue, nerve sheaths, skin pigment and for the proper utilization of iron. Since high levels of zinc compete with copper for absorption, copper is included in MacularProtect to help ensure an adequate level of this essential mineral in the body. The amount of supplemental copper in MacularProtect represents 100% of the Daily Value and is the form and amount used in the AREDS clinical trial.
Lutein, FloraGLO® (10 mg) and Zeaxanthin (1 mg) Lutein and zeaxanthin are two similarly structured carotenoids found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and mustard greens. These carotenoids make up the macular pigment of the retina, the tissue with the highest concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in the body. As part of the macular pigment, lutein and zeaxanthin filter blue (visible) light that can induce photo-oxidative stress.
Population health studies have noted that macular pigment density is positively associated with age-related macular health. Several intervention studies also indicate that consumption of these carotenoids from foods or supplements can favorably modify the pigment density or thickness of the macula. The amount of lutein supplied by MacularProtect is consistent with that administered in a one-year clinical trial that reported improvements in visual performance. The balanced ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein within this formula reflects natural dietary levels.
MacularProtect provides FloraGLO® lutein, a premium source with proven bioavailability. Several studies have found FloraGLO® lutein to be as well or better absorbed than lutein from concentrated food sources such as spinach and green leafy vegetables.
Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 B-vitamins, according to research, can reduce artery-damaging levels of homocysteine in the body, thus helping to retain normal cardiovascular function. MacularProtect provides robust levels of key B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, which can be difficult to absorb by those over 50, as well as vitamin B6 and folate for artery and colon health. This vitamin B trio was also found in one intervention trial to reduce AMD risk in women with or at risk for heart disease
* The level of beta-carotene studied in the AREDS clinical trial and provided in MacularProtect is not recommended for smokers and very recent ex-smokers. If you are a smoker or very recent ex-smoker, you may want to consider MacularProtect Complete®-S or MacularProtect Plus®.
Following are some frequently asked questions about this product. Click on a question to view each answer.
The findings for the Age-Related Disease Study (AREDS) were released in October, 2001. The AREDS clinical trial has been heralded by doctors and nutrition experts as the most significant clinical trial on nutrition and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ever. Findings of the 6 ½ year AREDS clinical trial, demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the rate of progression of AMD in 3,640 patients taking a supplement containing vitamins, antioxidants and zinc.
The AREDS2 clinical trial, released in May, 2013, tested several variations of the original AREDS supplement, in addition to omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, and lutein and zeaxanthin. Read more about the findings here. Based on the findings from AREDS2, the National Eye Institute now recommends a beta-carotene free formula (with lutein and zeaxanthin), such as MacularProtect or MacularProtect Complete-S.
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MacularProtect reflects the most recent scientific evidence on nutrition's role in macular health, and provides nutrients and levels not found in comparable products.
MacularProtect includes nutrients at levels studied in the AREDS clinical trial and also includes 10 mg of FloraGLO® lutein, 1 mg of zeaxanthin and a trio of B vitamins, linked to macular health benefits in a large study.
An additional multivitamin like OcularProtect may be appropriately combined with this product. If you are looking for a macular product that includes a built-in multivitamin, you may want to consider MacularProtect Complete, an all-in-one solution for macular and whole body health.
"Recent studies have validated the importance of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of various eye conditions. It is important that patients select a quality product that provides optimal levels of key nutrients that have scientifically been shown to protect our eye health. MacularProtect Complete delivers the key nutrients found to protect macular health in the National Eye Institute's AREDS research and also includes a comprehensive multivitamin that provides maximum support for overall body health. This all-in-one product is a convenient solution to the confusion and safety issues that both clinicians and patients face when trying to combine various products to achieve this level of coverage."
James Thimons, OD, FAAO Executive Director, Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut Clinical Professor, New England College of Optometry, Fairfield, CT "I began taking Macular Protect Complete(-S) about a year ago. I had just been diagnosed with macular degeneration and wanted to do whatever I could to at least slow down the process and protect my eyesight. The retinologist recommended this product to me and I have taken it faithfully since then. I feel it has been a big help as my eyesight seems to be about the same as it was a year ago. In the past, my eyesight was getting a little worse every year.
Thank you for making such a wonderful product!"
B. Lessard, Montclair, CA
"I have used Macular Protect Complete regularly for several years as recommended by my ophthalmologist. I had been undergoing frequent prescription changes for several years. I replaced my regular daily vitamin supplement with Macular Protect Complete and my eyeglass prescription has now been stable for a couple of years."
K. Ellis, Saint Joseph, IL
"I began taking MacularProtectComplete more than four years ago at the recommendation of my ophthalmologist. In that period of time, there has been no appreciable change in my vision. That's not bad for an 89-year old!"
H. Neidig, Lebanon, PA
"A few years ago, I had cataract and glaucoma surgery at Pinehurst NC. At that time, the ophthalmologist advised that I begin taking MacularProtect Complete and continue taking it for the rest of my life. I always order the 3 month supply. I have had no further eye problems. I plan to continue taking this product and have recommended it to others. Thank you for this fine product!"
C. Hunt, Denton, NC
"I use MacularProtect to help with dry macular degeneration. During the first six months I used MacularProtect, the disease progressed at the normal rate. The next six months showed no progression of the ailment when examined by the ophthalmologist."
R. Woolston-Smith, Danbury, CT
"It was a scary day for me in the late 90's when I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration (dry). My eye doctor said that there was no cure for this and our only way to fight it was through nutrition and vitamin supplements. At first, I had my doubts on such a course of treatment. Then, after three future visits where Fundus Photos were taken of my retina, I was most joyful to learn that not only had my disease not progressed, but that I had less Drusen showing up on these photos!"
B. Coppola, Las Vegas, NV
"I was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 1999. A friend told me he had been using the ScienceBased Health products since his doctor suggested trying them for his vision problems. I ordered MacularProtect immediately. I still have good vision in my right eye and the vision loss in my left eye has stabilized. I honestly believe my sight would have deteriorated if I had not been using your products over the years. I look forward to continued stabilization of my macular degeneration."
S. Border, Clio, MI
"I have been using MacularProtect Complete for several years and my Ophthamologist says that my already diagnosed macular degeneration has progressed very little if at all. This is wonderful news."
K. Haelett, Ravenna, OH
"I've used MacularProtect Complete for the last 8 years or so. I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration in my early 50's (I'm now 61). I thought it was one of the worst things that had happened to me. My ophthalmologist recommended my retina specialist, who suggested that I start taking MacularProtect Complete 2 capsules, 2 times a day. At my next appointment, I learned that although my condition had not improved, it had not deteriorated any further. My retina specialist gave most of the credit to MacularProtect Complete. Subsequent exams have shown the same results -- not any better, but not any worse. I trust this product so much that when my retina specialist started an in-house trial on the benefits of retinol and leutine, I decided not to participate in his trial for fear I would have to give up taking my MacularProtect Complete to participate. I'm due for my next retina appointment in September and I pray that the results of that exam are as good as I've had in the past."
M. Hultz, Burlington, NJ
"Excellent product, recommended by my MD."
D. Wayman, Salem, NH
"When my ophthalmologist gave me his diagnosis of macular degeneration I told him "I don't want that" and he told me "at least you have the best of the two kinds, you have the "dry" kind" and I said "but, there is nothing you can do for this". He told me that he recommended a vitamin regimen and gave me a brochure from ScienceBased Health. I ordered MacularProtect Complete and have been taking it ever since. My vision has not changed or worsened since I began taking "your" vitamins. Needless to say, I am very appreciative and pleased with your product and would recommend "it" to anyone who is diagnosed with macular degene
PRICE: $22.95
PRICE: $38.95
30 day supply: 60 capsules