Eye have it: OmniActive’s Lutemax 2020 gains claims approval in Japan

25 Sep 2019 --- Having passed an extensive systematic review of scientific evidence by Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency, OmniActive Health Technologies (OmniActive) has been granted Foods with Functional Claims (FFC) approval for its Lutemax 2020 Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers. As a naturally-derived marigold extract, Lutemax 2020 can now claim to improve eye health and visual performance, to reduce eye fatigue and support sleep quality.

Brian Appell, Marketing Manager at OmniActive, tells NutritionInsight that there are three main factors driving interest in eye health, namely visual performance, the blue light phenomenon and the eye-brain connection. 

“Eye health has largely been a category for an aging population but that is changing for several reasons. Consumers recognize there are benefits to taking macular carotenoids now because they can improve how they see. This resonates with consumers who typically are not supplementing to protect from future damage.”

With over 65,000 people over the age of 100, Japan is home to the largest percentage of centenarians in the world, says the company. Also taking into consideration the rise in digital screen usage and exposure to blue light across all ages globally, there is a need to supply Japanese consumers with a premium, clinically-tested eye health ingredients that help support healthy vision.

“Blue light is not new but our exposure to it has grown substantially over the past 10 years. That carries some immediate repercussions like eye fatigue and eye strain, which many consumers typically experience when sitting in front of a digital device for hours at a time. In addition to protecting the eyes from blue light, research on Lutemax 2020 shows that supplementation can actually reduce shorter-term symptoms associated with prolonged blue light exposure,” Appell adds.

The supplement has also shown in two studies to significantly reduce the levels of cortisol – the “stress” hormone – by almost 50 percent and significantly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. Research has outlined that this compound plays a critical role in learning, memory and higher cognitive processes.

Lutemax 2020 provides all three macular carotenoids – lutein and enhanced levels of RR- and RS meso-zeaxanthin – at the same 5:1 ratio as what is found naturally in the diet. With the support of numerous human clinical studies, this combination of lutein with zeaxanthin isomers provides an easily digestible dietary supplement to boost visual health. 

These primary filters of high-energy blue light protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, says the company. Found in dark green leafy and colorful vegetables, lutein is a carotenoid crucial not only for eye but also brain and skin health. 

This summer, the company’s CurcuWin product, an enhanced absorption curcumin extract, received Non-GMO Project Verification. The results of a human clinical trial showed that CurcuWIN offers 46 times greater relative absorption than standard curcumin. The product is manufactured using OmniActive’s proprietary UltraSOL technology, which enhances the absorption and solubility of curcuminoids, making them more bioavailable and longer-lasting, according to the company.

Earlier this year, the company was one of 11 new companies to join the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).  

By Anni Schleicher

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