As Eyes Age – Better Nutrition Is Needed

Basic nutrition indicates that the body needs essential vitamins and nutrients to conduct normal daily activities and functions. As part of this system, the brain (as an organ) is treated distinctly separately in that nutrients in the blood stream must be able to cross the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) in order to actively contribute to brain chemistry and functions. Not all components and molecules in the bloodstream make it into the brain’s area. Likewise, the eyes have a similar protective Barrier called Blood Retinal Barrier (BRB). To “feed” the eyes, nutrients must cross both BBB and BRB.

Common folic acid circulates in the bloodstream; but until metabolized (into L-methylfolate) folic acid does not actually cross the blood brain barrier. The brain and your eyes need very specific nutrients in very specific doses amounts to supply your natural healing mechanisms.

As we age, our diets often are substandard for the daily needs of the body. This leaves us more susceptible to disease, more prone to inflammation, less effective at cell reproduction and creates a less capable immune system. Using vitamins and supplements is one path to correcting this nutrition gap. But what if the supplements are not capable of crossing the BBB or BRB?

Our research has shown that in many cases, the active form of a nutrient is needed to cross the BBB and/or BRB. With EYE-Folate®, we taken that need into consideration and selected only the most bio-available form of active ingredients. As such, we know that EYE-folate® can feed the retina while other supplements are stuck only in the bloodstream.

Genetic Limitations Play a Role

Far too many adults lack sufficient folate on a daily basis. Our diet may not be the only reason for this common problem. Many people have genetic limitations which restrict their access to folate. C677T and A1298C polymorphisms are very common in the general population and found even more often among diabetics. These common genetic limitations restrict the amount of DHFR and MTHFR enzyme activity present in the body and thereby reduces the persons capacity to send active L-methylfolate into methylation – such as needed for normal homocysteine regulation. Even the presence of a partial SINGLE polymorphism can reduce a person’s capacity for folate metabolism.

It is important to note that not all versions of folate (folic acid in particular) can cross the blood brain barrier or the blood retinal barrier. Ultimately this folate limitation can affect eyesight as the amount of blood flow to the retinal and eye can become reduced, restricted and ineffective. These genetic limitations the key reason why new products for eye health are using better, more modern folates rather than traditional folic acid. These genetic limitations the key reason why new products for eye health are using better, more modern folates rather than traditional folic acid.

Natural, Active Folate is Key

One of the most powerful nutrients for eye health is one of the simplest aspects of the human diet – active folate from leafy green vegetables. However, as we age, we tend to lose out on certain aspects of good nutrition. Moreover, we could face genetic limitations as discussed above. The end result is insufficient folate.

Folate is needed to metabolize homocysteine. This is true in the body (nerves all over the body) and in the brain (only L-methylfolate crosses the blood brain barrier) and eyes (only L-methylfolate crosses the blood retinal barrier).

Folate is needed for healthy cell reproduction and DNA replication. This is especially important in working to repair and manage aging eyes.

Not All Supplements are Created Equal

It is unfortunate, but quality control among dietary supplements in lacking in the U.S. Routinely, the American Medical Association conducts an audit of common supplements found on the shelves in U.S. drug stores. The report card is seldom encouraging as less than half contain the actual, active ingredient levels as promised on the product label. This is unfair to American consumers who are trying their best to improve their own health…only to be undermined by poor product quality.

At Global Healthcare Focus, we take this challenge very seriously. We carefully source each of our ingredients to make sure the label delivers exactly what we promise and what you expect. All of our manufacturing is done in the USA under strict cGMP standards. These are the same standards as required for drug manufacturing. We value your trust. Moreover, we value your eye health and pledge not to allow sub-standard manufacturing to shortchange the quality of your healthcare.