Zeaxanthin Formulations With Additional Ocular-Active Nutrients, For Protecting Eye Health And Treating Eye Disorders

Abstract

Oral formulations for promoting eye health, and in particular for preventing or treating macular degeneration, are disclosed, containing zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, and at least two or more additional ocular-active nutrients selected from lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-derived compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, or polyphenolics, taurine, carnitine, Coenzyme-Q10, carnosine, and nutrients that stimulate the production of glutathione. Processes are disclosed for identifying ocular-active nutrients that will interact in a synergistic and potentiating manner with zeaxanthin, to provide better and more effective protection, for eye health, than can be provided by zeaxanthin alone. Additional optional agents include zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin C.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A multivitamin supplement for eye health presented as a capsule for oral ingestion, comprising:
 (a) an oily carrier;   (b) vitamin E;   (c) vitamin C;   (d) zinc in an amount that does not exceed 40 mg;   (e) selenium;   (f) riboflavin; and   (g) carotenoids selected from the group consisting of lutein and 3R-3R′ zeaxanthin such that the multivitamin supplement is substantially free of other carotenoids, and wherein the 3R-3R′ zeaxanthin is present in an amount that is at least 0.5 mg.   
     
     
         6 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein the composition further includes omega-3 fatty acids. 
     
     
         7 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein the composition further includes a lipoic acid. 
     
     
         8 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein the composition further includes mixed tocopherols. 
     
     
         9 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , further including pyridoxine. 
     
     
         10 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein the nutritional supplement is for reducing the risk of progression of the macular degeneration for the user. 
     
     
         11 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein vitamin C is in the form of ascorbic acid. 
     
     
         12 . he multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein the capsule provides a daily dosage of the ingredients to the user that is released following the oral ingestion. 
     
     
         13 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 12 , wherein zeaxanthin is present in an amount of at least 3 milligrams. 
     
     
         14 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein the oily carrier is for enhancing the uptake of the zeaxanthin. 
     
     
         15 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein the supplement excludes beta-carotene for a user who is a current or former smoker. 
     
     
         16 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 5 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one of taurine, carnitine and carnosine. 
     
     
         17 . A multivitamin eye-health supplement, comprising:
 (a) fish oil providing omega-3 fatty acids, the omega-3 fatty acids including docosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosa-pentaenoic acid (EPA);   (b) carotenoids selected from the group consisting of lutein and 3R-3R′ zeaxanthin such that the multivitamin eye-health supplement is substantially free of other carotenoids, and wherein the 3R-3R′ zeaxanthin is present in an amount that is at least 0.5 mg;   (c) zinc in an amount that does not exceed 40 mg;   (d) vitamin E;   (e) vitamin C; and   wherein the multivitamin eye-health supplement is in the form of a tablet or capsule for oral ingestion.   
     
     
         18 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 17 , wherein vitamin C is in the form of ascorbic acid. 
     
     
         19 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 17 , wherein the tablet or capsule provides a daily dosage of the ingredients to the user that is released following the oral ingestion. 
     
     
         20 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 19 , wherein the supplement excludes beta-carotene for a user who is a current or former smoker. 
     
     
         21 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 17 , wherein the multivitamin eye-health supplement is for reducing the risk of progression of the macular degeneration for the user. 
     
     
         22 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 17 , wherein zeaxanthin is present in an amount of at least 3 milligrams. 
     
     
         23 . A multivitamin supplement for eye health for oral ingestion, comprising:
 (a) vitamin E;   (b) vitamin C;   (c) zinc in an amount that does not exceed 40 mg;   (d) selenium;   (e) riboflavin; and   (f) carotenoids selected from the group consisting of lutein and 3R-3R′ zeaxanthin such that the multivitamin supplement is substantially free of other carotenoids, and wherein the 3R-3R′ zeaxanthin is present in an amount that is at least 0.5 mg.   
     
     
         24 . The multivitamin eye-health supplement of  claim 23 , further including pyridoxine.