What kind of Ingredients are in INSIGHT™?

The makers of Insight™ have taken a science-based approach to develop a unique, proprietary formula to macular preservation.

Carotenoids

In the photosynthetic organisms, such as algae, carotenoids play a vital roll in the photosynthesis process.  They protect the structures responsible for phototransduction from auto-oxidation.  This is why carotenoids are efficient free-radical scavengers and thus enhance the human body's immune system.  Studies show that individuals with high intake of beta-carotene have significantly reduced risk of lung cancer.  Unfortunately though, for smokers, the risk of lung cancer is elevated if they have a high intake of beta-carotene.  The problem stems from too much beta-carotene allows the a reduction in plasma vitamin A and this worsens the lung cell proliferation induced by smoke.

The human body is incapable of synthesizing its own carotenoids, and therefore must obtain them through their diet.  The most common carotenoids are lycopene and beta-carotene.  The Xanthophyll called Lutein is the most abundant carotenoid found in plants and its role in prevention of AMD is currently being studied by the NEI (National Eye Institute).  Since healthy eyes seem to have ample amounts of carotenoids, and unhealthy eyes are in short supply, they are thought to be extremely important in many eye functions and may be the key in prevention of the main eye diseases such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts and glaucoma.

Lutein

Vision is the result of light rays which enter the eye and are focussed by the lens toward the thin back lining of the inside of the eye known as the retina.  Within the retina are millions of photoreceptors.  LUTEIN is a xanthophyll which protects our photoreceptors in the retina from damages caused by free-radicals associated with light reactions.  LUTEIN is also associated with an important function known as gap junction communication between individual cells.  INSIGHT contains an ample amount of LUTEIN to add protection to the retina.

Zeaxanthin

The macula is the bulls eye in the center of the retina which is where the most critical light rays that enter the eye are focussed.  Our "Fine" vision and our "central" vision takes place in the macula.  Along with Lutein, ZEAXANTHIN is an integral component of the macula.  ZEAXANTHIN, like Lutein, is a retinal pigment which function to protect the retina from the damaging effects of light reactions.

Beta-Cartene

Is one of the most efficient and powerful antioxidants which means it fights against the damaging effects of free-radicals.  These free radicals are in great abundance in the retina a result of the effects of sun light.  Beta-carotene is also important because is contained within the lens epithelium and there it acts as a filter of harmful sunlight.  This protection is important in helping to prevent the blindness caused by the formation of cataracts.

ZINC

ZINC is an important antioxidant.  The AREDS study found that ZINC helps protect the pigment cells and photoreceptors in the retina.  Eyes which have a ZINC deficiency are found to be at a greater risk for developing ARMD.

SELENIUM

SELENIUM is a mineral which is an integral part of the antioxidant defense system in the eye.  It fights free radicals in the lens and the retina and thus is implicated in the prevention of cataracts and macular degeneration.  SELENIUM helps promote the integrity of the microvasculature of the retina. 

BILBERRY

BILBERRY contains high amounts of bioflavonoids in a family of bioflavonoids known as anthocyanosides which are highly potent antioxidants.  They assist in protecting endothelial vascularization (the inside of blood vessel walls) and thus promote microvascular circulations and this is very important in the eye since the eye consists mainly of very tiny blood vessels.  In Europe, BILBERRY is used extensively as a treatment in lowering myopia and increasing night vision.  In some it is used in reversing diabetic retinopathy.  Historically much attention was given to BILBERRY when British pilots who consumed BILBERRY before running nighttime bombing raids noticed their night vision improved.  BILBERRY is also credited for speeding the recovery and regeneration of rhodopsin in the retina.  Rhodopsin is a purple colored pigment which is used by the rod photoreceptors.  The rods are mainly responsible for night vision.

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) was first discovered as an effective antioxidant in the 1970's.  ALA has been shown effective at preventing cataracts and diabetic neuropathy through its ability to reduce oxidative stress, thus improving blood flow to nerves and by increasing glucose transport into cell membranes.  ALA also has the ability to regenerate antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E and maintaining healthy cell functions.  It is also effective in increasing cellular uptake of glucose into the cell membrane which suggests its use in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.  Studies show that ALA improves memory performance and is being used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.  Since the 1990's ALA has been used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of carcinogens.  ALA is both a lipid and water soluble antioxidant making it useful in its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.  ALA is able to therefore attack a broader range of free radicals.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is a derivative of the amino acid known as cysteine.  Endothelial cells in the body convert NAC into glutathione.  The glutathione acts as an antioxidant.  NAC helps protect the eye from cytotoxicity from such agents as nitric oxide.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

Grape seed extract is another effective antioxidant.  It attacks free radicals in the body even more effectively than vitamin E and vitamin C.  Grape Seed may block the effects of  certain enzymes that process fats.  Therefore less cholesterol is absorbed and therefore helps to control damage to cell that is caused by drugs, pollution, tobacco and other toxins.  Grape Seed is in a family of substances known as proanthocyanidins which block the deterioration of blood vessels.  This is extremely important for diabetics because it helps strengthen blood vessel walls.  Diabetes is a microvascular disease which means a diabetic is likely going to have blood vessels that leak which leads to diabetic retinopathy.   Grape seed extract also helps to stabilize collagen which is the main component in connective tissue.  Grape seed has also been  found to help prevent cataract formation in laboratory animals.  Grape Seed Extract has also the ability to reduce eye stress caused by bright lights.

Vitamin A

A strong antioxidant vitamin which plays a vital roll in vision and bone growth.  A condition known as night blindness is associated with a deficiency in vitamin A.  Vitamin A is known to help prevent night blindness, as well as cataracts, macular degeneration and also dry eye syndrome.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also a strong and effective antioxidant known to play a roll in essential metabolic reactions in the cells throughout the body.  Vitamin C is an important antioxidant which assists the cell in healing and protects cells against oxidative stress.  Vitamin C is often recommended by ophthalmologists following LASIK surgery or cataract surgery to help speed the healing process in the eye.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another of the very strong antioxidant vitamins.  It's roll is in cell repair and prevention of the oxidative process in areas of the body.  Vitamin E is thought to help reduce the formation of blood clots through the anti oxidative effect of low density cholesterol or LDL.  LDL is known as the "bad cholesterol" because it transports the cholesterol to the artery and there form plaques which accumulate and may result in stroke or heart attack.

Blueberry

Blueberry is another antioxidant but it's antioxidant effect is in line with those found in dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale.  The dark leafy green antioxidants are especially important in helping to protect the eye from macular degeneration and cataracts.

Biotin

Biotin is also known as Vitamin B7.  B7 is used in cell growth and cell maintenance through the metabolism of cell fats and the production of fatty acids and amino acids.  Biotin is also a key component the "Citric Acid Cycle", a cycle in which biochemical is generated. Biotin is is important in the body's ability to maintain sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.

Lycopene

This bright red carotenoid pigment is a phytochemical which acts as an antioxidant.  It is derived primarily from tomatoes.