Our eyes are complex organs that require a variety of essential vitamins and nutrients to function well. If not taken cared for well, it can cause common eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even age-related macular degeneration as we age. These conditions can end with vision impairment or loss.
That’s why it’s essential to take care of them with healthy habits and through supplements if we can’t get enough necessary vitamins through diet alone. But what are the types of vitamins to invest in from brands like pure encapsulations from Supplement First?
Here are the essential vitamins and nutrients for maintaining optimal eye health:
- Vitamin A
Many of us know that we need vitamin A to maintain good vision, which we can find in carrots. This vitamin maintains a clear cornea, the outside covering of the eyes.
Vitamin A is part of rhodopsin, a protein in our eyes allowing us to see in low light conditions. While vitamin A deficiency is rare, it happens, and it may cause xerophthalmia, a severe and progressive eye disease that can cause irreversible blindness.
Vitamin A can also protect your eyes against other conditions, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
You can get vitamin A from bell peppers, pumpkins, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and carrots. If you do not get enough vitamin A daily, you can also invest in vitamins from reputable brands such as pure supplements.
- Vitamins B6, B9, and B12
Several B vitamins positively impact our eye health, particularly the three B vitamins B6, B9, and B12.
When you have adequate amounts of these vitamins, it lowers homocysteine levels, a type of protein in our bodies associated with inflammation and increased risks of age-related macular degeneration.
While more research is required, it’s worth noting that these vitamins have a positive impact in other aspects of our mind and body.
- Riboflavin
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is another beneficial antioxidant that can reduce oxidative stress in our bodies, which includes our eyes. Research is still being conducted on the vitamin and how it may prevent cataracts, as riboflavin deficiencies can result in this eye disease.
It is recommended to consume between 1.1 to 1.3 mg of riboflavin daily, which can be done through supplements and riboflavin-rich foods like milk, yogurt, beef, oats, fortified cereal, among others.
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin
These are from the carotenoid family and found in our eyes’ macula and retina. Both macula and retina help filter blue light, preventing eye damage. Studies suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin can prevent cataracts, even preventing or slowing age-related macular degeneration.
You can find supplements that contain these compounds, as well as consume fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens. It’s recommended to get at least 6 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin daily, or as much as 20 mg.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully, you are more aware of the vitamins you need to maintain great eye health. Invest in the right supplements and be sure to combine it with a healthy diet now!
