Ingredients
KEY INGREDIENTS in Ocufolin®
The specific dose amounts used in Ocufolin® were selected to achieve one specific purpose: addressing underlying nutritional gaps at a cellular level in order to increase retinal blood flow. Other formulations for eye care products serve general eye health goals (such as AREDS2 supplements or the RDA for vitamins); but as a medical food, Ocufolin® is intended to serve a distinct purpose for patients with distinct needs and deficiencies.
Please note that the ideal dose for Ocufolin® is three capsules, daily. It is best absorbed when taken with food in the morning or mid-day. See the FAQ section for further discussion.
The ROLE of FOLATE
Active l-methylfolate has been called the “secret key” to Ocufolin’s® success. Many patients with retinal difficulties have a genetic limitation in the form of a common folate polymorphism (i.e. C677T, A1298C, etc). Using the active form of folate (called L-methylfolate) allows the person to bypass the methylation process steps that require MTHFR enzyme. Active folate crosses both the blood brain and blood retinal barriers becoming immediately available for cellular metabolism. By comparison, folic acid does not accomplish these steps.
Our product uses Metafolin® - a well-established active ingredient brand for quality and consistency. Metafolin® has decades of clinical evidence and high manufacturing standards.
The ROLE of Vitamin D
More than half the US adult population is estimated to be currently deficient in Vitamin D. This is problematic for eye sight. Vitamin D is essential to eye health and Ocufolin delivers a strong daily dose of 4500 iu. By comparison, the body of a normal, healthy adult synthesizes approximately 10,000 iu during a half-hour session in the sun when shirtless.
| 40-50 ng/ml | Optimal serum Vitamin D levels |
| Below 32 ng/ml | Associated with acceleration of osteoporosis, diabetes, macular degeneration |
| Below 30 ng/ml | Associated with increases in cataracts (particularly posterior subcapsular cataracts) |
| Below 22 ng/ml | Impairs folate metabolism |
| Below 15 ng/ml | Associated with triple the risk of heart attacks and/or strokes |
Role of Zeaxanthin and Lutein
At the center of the retina sits the macula lutea which is seen as a yellow spot. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the pigments responsible for giving the macula its yellow coloring.
It is believed that lutein and zeaxanthin act in two ways to help support the health of the eyes:
- They are antioxidants and therefore help to protect against free radical damage.
- As the pigments of the macula, they are involved in blue-light filtration effects, including glare reduction, contrast enhancement and cellular health maintenance.
Through these protective mechanisms it is thought that lutein and zeaxanthin may help support our eye health, particularly as we get older and are at a greater risk of developing age related eye conditions.
Zeaxanthin and Lutein are found in green vegetables (especially spinach), egg yolk, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, squash and corn. As ingredients, lutein and zeaxanthin are commonly derived from marigold flowers.
Zeaxanthin is an eye vitamin that, once inside the body, is drawn to the eyes. It makes its way into the lens, macula, and fovea (the center spot of the retina). Zeaxanthin helps build a yellow-colored pigment shield to protect the eye cells from the harmful effects of certain light sources, such as the sun. It also protects the eyes from dangerous free radicals that form over time from oxidation.
Ocufolin® uses natural Zeaxanthin in the form of Optisharp® - the leading ingredient brand on the market.
Lutein is one of two major carotenoids found as a color pigment in the human eye (macula and retina). It is thought to function as a light filter, or natural sunblock, reducing the amount of sunlight entering the eye and thus protecting the eye tissues from sunlight damage and limiting the formation of cataracts. Taking lutein daily over an extended period of time may improve your vision if you’re already suffering from cataracts.
Ocufolin® uses natural Lutein in the form of Floraglo® - the leading ingredient brand on the market.
