Unibar’s high-concentration capsanthin supplement boasts eye health perks

23 Mar 2020 --- CapsiClear is Unibar’s new patent-pending supplement that boasts over 50 percent capsanthin in its formulation. According to the plant-based life sciences company, it is also the first nutritional supplement that is clinically-supported for offering eye health benefits via oral delivery.

“CapsiClear Capsanthin is designed for those who want to improve their visual performance in everyday life, as well as maintain optimum intraocular pressure and protect eye nerves,” the company highlights.

The product’s composition further includes zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin for a more powerful biological effect. The supplement also has good stability due to vegetarian flaxseed oil in the place of gelatin. It is also aided by enhanced bioavailability, via its oil base which enhances absorption of fat-soluble capsanthin. In addition, its ingredients are all traceable thanks to vertical integration processes.

Modern consumers spend a lot of time looking at screens, whether for work or recreation. As a result, eyestrain is a common complaint across ages, Unibar explains. Around 59 percent of people report signs of eye strain, which is characterized by sore, tired eyes; blurred or double vision; headaches; sore neck, shoulders, or back; increased sensitivity to light; and difficulty concentrating.

Observational studies show that people who eat diets rich in carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin enjoy better overall eye health, but there’s another less well known carotenoid, capsanthin. It can address the specific problem of eye strain more effectively, the company says.

Original clinical research performed at the University of North Texas suggests CapsiClear helps the eyes recover more quickly after exposure to bright light and helps increase reading performance in both white and blue light, which are actions that may help reduce eye strain. Additionally, in vivo research suggests CapsiClear helps maintain optimum intraocular pressure.

Capsanthin is a carotenoid, just like beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These pigments, found in red, orange, yellow, and green fruits and vegetables, are recognized for their ability to provide antioxidant protection to the eye and to promote eye health. Some carotenoids, like cryptoxanthin, are also precursors to vitamin A, which means they help the body produce this vision-supporting vitamin.

A 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical study indicates that CapsiClear, at a dosage of 40 mg per day, may:

• Increase macular pigment density (MPD), which is linked to better visual performance.

• Reduce recovery time after exposure to bright light.

• Improve reading under different light conditions (both white and blue light).

A 28-day in vivo study found CapsiClear, at dose levels of 20, 40 and 80 mg per kg found that it:

• Helped maintain optimum intraocular eye pressure.

• Showed an effect starting on day eight onwards up to 28 days. 

• Did not result in clinical signs of toxicity, mortality, changes in body weight or feed consumption. 

Eye health is an area of increasing interest for consumers, as the world’s aging population seeks to maintain good health well into its senior years. Other players have also ventured into the space. AffronEYE saffron produced by Pharmactive Biotech could help prevent the onset of glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness across the globe. In the same genre, OmniActive Health Technologies Lutemax 2020 lutein and zeaxanthin isomer is a naturally-derived marigold extract and can improve eye health and visual performance, to reduce eye fatigue and support sleep quality.

Moreover, microalgae ingredient specialist AlgaTechnologies recently headlined the newest product within its astaxanthin product line – AstaPure EyeQ – a microencapsulated, cold water-soluble, 2 percent astaxanthin powder, marketed as promoting superior vision functionalities.

Edited by Kristiana Lalou