The health and proper functioning of the body is influenced by various factors - nutrients, vitamins and minerals taken in with food play an important role. Their lack can cause various body function disorders and illnesses. In order to keep the eyes healthy and reduce the risk of various diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts, a complete diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids is necessary. Not always available food and eating habits can provide them. Nutritional supplements are one of the solutions.
Vitamins, minerals, nutrients essential for eye health
- Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for clear vision. This vitamin is also a component of the eye protein rhodopsin, which allows you to see in low light conditions. Vitamin A deficiency can cause serious eye damage called xerophthalmia. It is a progressive eye disease that starts with "night blindness", if the vitamin A deficiency continues, the tear ducts can dry out, the eye tissue becomes soft, and permanent blindness occurs.
Additionally, vitamin A intake can also reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the eyes from harmful free radicals. Taking vitamin C can reduce the risk of progression of age-related macular degeneration.
In addition, vitamin C is necessary to synthesize collagen, a protein that provides the structure of the eye, especially in the cornea and sclera.
Several studies show that vitamin C can help reduce the risk of developing cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye and impair vision.
- Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated lipid. They form in the cell membranes of the retina of the eye. Omega 3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties that may play a role in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy. These fatty acids may also benefit dry eye patients by improving the production and quality of the tear film.
- Zinc (Zn)
Zinc is an essential microelement or "helper molecule". It plays a vital role in transporting vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc is highly concentrated in the eye, primarily in the retina and the vascular tissue layer beneath the retina.
- Copper (Cu)
Copper is a microelement that can improve the activity of eye antioxidant enzymes, has an anti-inflammatory effect. Copper can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, especially when taken with other antioxidants such as vitamin C.
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and Zeaxanthin belong to the carotenoid family, which is contained in various plants.
Both of these carotenoids are also found in the macula and retina of the eye, where they help filter out potentially harmful blue light, thus protecting the eyes from damage.
Several studies have shown that this herbal compound can prevent cataracts and prevent or slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
- Resveratrol
It is a natural polyphenol that is synthesized in grapevines, black berries, peanuts to protect the plant from environmental stress (UV radiation, biotic infections, ozone). It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic activity. It plays a positive role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
*More detailed articles on each of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients will be continued.