Visionace Plus

Even Greater Nutritional Care From Visionace

The Importance Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a special class of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are commonly found in plant seed oils, nut oils and oily fish such as sardines and mackerel. A large number of scientific studies worldwide have highlighted the multiple benefits of dietary Omega-3 fatty acids in areas as diverse as heart, brain, and normal vision. The two most researched Omega-3 fatty acids are Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision¹.

DHA In The Retina

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important structural and functional role in the retina, the part of the eye that detects light. DHA is a component of photoreceptor cells which are responsible for converting light into nerve signals. Photoreceptors contain the highest concentration of DHA of any cell in the body, with DHA accounting for over 50% of the total fatty acid content^{2 3}. Adequate levels of DHA must be maintained for the retina to continue to function properly and to maintain normal vision)^{4 5}.

The retinal cells are continually being renewed, so a constant supply of Omega-3 fatty acids and in particular DHA is required^{6 7}. Since these cannot be made by the body a lack of these in the diet can have a direct effect on levels in the retina⁸. Fortunately increasing dietary intake can help to restore retinal Omega-3 levels⁹. Omega-3 fatty acids are now being recognised as being essential for normal eye health from before birth continuing into old age¹⁰.

Protection Of Cells

The macular is the central area of the retina, and contains the highest density of photoreceptors. The retinal cells of the macular are particularly vulnerable to the effects of UV rays in sunlight which can result in cellular damage^{11 12}. Because of this, sunglasses with a high Eye-Sun Protection Factor (E-SPF) are always recommended to reduce the exposure of the eye to excessive light and harmful UV rays.

Visionace Plus provides vitamins C and E, plus minerals zinc and selenium which contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Lutein Esters

Lutein belongs to a class of compounds called carotenoids and is the dominant pigment in the retina. Visionace Plus provides a total of 12mg of Lutein Esters.

Quality and Purity Guaranteed

Only the purest pharmaceutical grade fish oil is used in Visionace Plus. To ensure maximum benefit, the oil is carefully concentrated to increase its DHA and EPA content and further purified. Each batch is rigorously tested, certified, and fully compliant with stringent EC and WHO rules on environmental pollutants.

Advanced Comprehensive Formula

Visionace contains high quality natural Lutein Esters. Visionace also contains a comprehensive range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, such as copper and selenium which support the normal functioning of the immune system, and thiamin (vitamin B1) which contribute to the normal function of the heart. An additional multivitamin is not required.

¹The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250mg of DHA.

²Bazan, N.G. (1990) Nutrition and the Brain, eds. Wurtman, R. J. & Wurtman, J. J. (Raven, New York), Vol. 8: 1-24

³Mukherjee P.K. et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci, 2007, Aug 7;104(32):13152-7

⁴Weisinger, H.S. et al. Lipids 1996 ; 31,65-70

⁵Birch E. et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci 1992; 33 (11): 3242- 3253

⁶Mukherjee P. K. et al. PNAS 2004; 101(22): 8491 - 8496

⁷Bazan N.G. & ReddyT.S. (1985) Retina. In Handbook of Neurochemistry, 2nd ed, Vol no 8, New York, Plenum, pg 507

⁸Acar N. et al Reprod. Nutr.Dev 2006; 46 515-525

⁹Uauy, R et al Lipids 31(suppl) 1996:167-176

¹⁰Cho E. et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:209-18

¹¹Bazan N.G., Trends Neurosci, 2006 May;29(5):263-71

¹²Rotstein et al. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci 2003; 44 (5): 2252-2259

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION