LAST Study

The Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial (LAST STUDY) was a Veterans Hospital National Study, published in the journal Optometry in 2004. The LAST STUDY found that a 10 mg lutein capsule actually improved vision over a 1-year period.

Rationale for ingredients and dosages in Macular Health

Macular Health has specific dosages of its ingredient's to maximize effectiveness while limiting toxicity. Macular Health contains 10,000 IU's of Vitamin A (in the form of Beta-carotene), which we believe to be an adequate dose to protect the macula. Excessive doses of Vitamin A can cause liver damage. Vitamin A is absorbed in the fatty tissues such as the liver and long-term high doses could potentially cause liver toxicity.

Macular Health contains 55mg of Zinc as this has been shown to decrease vision loss from macular degeneration. The AREDS Study patients were actually only obtaining 50-55 mg of Zinc when the shelf life of pills and the amount of pills actually taken were evaluated. We believe 80 mg of zinc is too high and many of our patients cannot tolerate this high dose due to gastrointestinal side affects and urinary tract infections, which may develop. Macular Health contains zeaxanthin, bilberry and lutein in dosages, which are high enough to protect the macula. Most competitor brands, if they contain these macular nutrients have them only in limited quantities. There is no known toxicity to high dose lutein, zeaxanthin or bilberry.