Vision for the future: dsm-firmenich looks at innovative lifespan eye health ingredients

08 Feb 2024 --- The quest to maintain optimal eye health is spurring interest in understanding the role of supplements, nutraceuticals and innovative ingredients to support vision. Often, the focus has been on vitamin A, yet emerging research reveals that a broader spectrum of nutrients across the lifespan may be better for enhanced and continued eye health.

At the same time, Innova Market Insights’ data suggests a 7% yearly increase in products promoting eye health from 2018 to 2022, and many included vitamins C and A. Additionally, from 2021–2022, many products emphasized brain health, mood enhancement and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) inclusion alongside eye health claims in the food, beverage and supplement sectors. We sit down with experts from dsm-firmenich to better understand the company’s eye health innovations.

“Most people assume that vitamin A is the only nutrient needed for eye health — however, there are, in fact, many nutrients that contribute to maintaining healthy vision,” Dr. Sonia Hartunian-Sowa and Dr. Matt Kochem, from dsm-firmenich, North America science, translation and advocacy, tell Nutrition Insight.Dsm-firmenich reveals there are many ingredients, outside of just vitamins A and C, that can support eye health over the lifespan.

“Vitamins A, C and E, as well as beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids — like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA — and zinc all provide eye health benefits throughout the lifespan. This has become increasingly important as vision is a key part of healthy aging and consumers are looking for supplements that can help them age gracefully and healthily.”

Focusing in on key ingredients
The company emphasizes that many comprehensive studies reveal that lutein and zeaxanthin are key components for maintaining eye health. These carotenoids, found within the eye, contribute to retinal development, serve as antioxidants and have demonstrated benefits such as filtering blue light, enhancing visual acuity and aiding in glare recovery.

For many years, dsm-firmenich and Kemin have been collaborating to offer a wide range of macular carotenoid solutions, which deliver both immediate and prolonged advantages for eye health. These include FloraGLO lutein — the pioneering branded lutein introduced in 1996 — and Optisharp zeaxanthin and Macu-LZ — a blend of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers in the optimal five-to-one ratio.

“The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can also play an important role in eye health,” Hartunian-Sowa and Kochem explain. “DHA is stored in the eye, where it supports the eye’s normal development and helps maintain normal vision.”

“Additionally, evidence suggests that high levels of both omega-3 EPA and DHA may support the management of dry eye, a challenging condition for many people. FloraGLO lutein is the most studied lutein brand in the world, with over 100 human clinical publications. Furthermore, FloraGLO was the lutein brand chosen by the National Eye Institute for use in AREDS2 — the largest lutein supplement trial to date.”

Eye health for the lifespan
The experts also highlight that dsm-firmenich provides essential nutrients for eye health across all stages of life, including vitamins A, C, E, zinc, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3s. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been found to aid fetal eye development and are present in the retina from the second trimester, supporting infant eye health along with omega-3 DHA.

“In children, protecting eyes from high levels of blue light such as that found in smart tablets, smartphones and other devices is important,” Hartunian-Sowa and Kochem stress. “Lutein as well vitamins A, C and E act as antioxidants for the eyes and can provide protection from damaging free radicals.”

“Additionally, there have been numerous studies demonstrating that lutein and zeaxanthin specifically help protect against blue light damage and can support sharper vision, glare recovery and more.”

Furthermore, they note that for adults, preserving eye health is a primary concern. In 2019, age-related macular degeneration, the primary reason for vision impairment in adults, impacted 19.8 million Americans aged 40 and above. Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been shown to help maintain cognitive function in older adults.DHA and EPA can be useful for relief for people experiencing Dry Eye Syndrome.

Tackling eye-specific issues
Nutraceutical ingredients can also help with dry eye, a condition marked by discomfort such as stinging or burning sensations in the eyes due to insufficient lubrication from tears. It affects numerous individuals globally, including an estimated 5 –15% of US citizens. Studies indicate that increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids can aid in managing dry eye symptoms.

“To maintain general health, all consumers should strive to achieve the recommended dietary allowances for vitamins A, C, E and zinc,” Hartunian-Sowa and Kochem conclude. “For people concerned about age-related macular degeneration, we recommend daily intakes of 10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, 500 mg vitamin C, 180 mg vitamin E and 80 mg zinc based on the findings of the AREDS 2 study.”

“For people concerned about dry eye syndrome, we recommend a combined daily intake of at least 1000 mg per day DHA and EPA. Of course, it is always recommended to consult your healthcare provider.”

By William Bradford Nichols