Download Oc-Q-Vue - FAQ

Capsules per container: 60
Serving size: 1 capsule
Servings per container: 60
Directions for use: Take 1 (one) capsule every night before bed time.
OcOc-Q-Vue - FAQ
Introduction
Lutein (pronounced LOO-teen) is a carotenoid, meaning a natural colorant or pigment, found in dark
green leafy vegetables such as spinach, plus various fruits and corn. Egg yolks are also sources of
lutein.
Lutein provides nutritional support to our eyes and skin – the only organs of the body directly
exposed to the outside environment. Lutein has been linked to promoting healthy eyes through
reducing the risk of macular degeneration. ** Other studies suggest that a mixture of nutrients,
including lutein, may provide supplemental antioxidant capacity to the eyes, helping counteract free
radical damage.15
Who should take Oc-Q-Vue?
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People who are concerned about their eye health.
People suffering from dry eyes.
People who are at a high risk for developing advanced AMD should consider taking Oc-QVue. Talk with your doctor about the risk of developing advanced AMD and whether taking
Oc-Q-Vue is right for you.
Why should I take Oc-Q-Vue?
Taking lutein orally is effective for preventing lutein deficiency.
OC-Q-Vue contains carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin found in dark green, red and yellow
vegetables and fruit. These two carotenoids work together to help maintain sharp, healthy eyesight.
Located in the macula of the eye (this is the center for sharp and focused vision), Lutein and
Zeaxanthin act to protect the macula by filtering out harmful light before it reaches the
photoreceptors. A large number of studies indicate that dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin is
associated with a reduced risk of cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
How long does a bottle of Oc-Q-Vue last?
Each bottle of Oc-Q-Vue contains 60 tablets it should last you two months. The shelf-life of Oc-QVue is 2 years from date of manufacture.
Are the high dosages of these supplements safe?
The AREDS study followed 3600 patients for seven years and monitored them for side effects very
closely. Out of thousands of patients, some AREDS participants experience minor side effects, but no
serious side effects from the supplements were found.
Can I take a daily multivitamin if I am taking Oc-Q-Vue?
Yes, as long as you first check with your primary care doctor and he or she approves of your taking
the combination of the additional multivitamin.
Can I take Oc-Q-Vue if I suffer from Diabetes, Cholesterol or high blood pressure?
There are no contraindications reported regarding any of the ingredients contained in Oc-Q-Vue.
Can a daily multivitamin or diet alone provide the same levels of antioxidants and zinc as
Oc-Q-Vue?
No. Oc-Q-Vue's levels of antioxidants and zinc are considerably higher than the amounts in any daily
multivitamin, and the levels of vitamins and minerals are difficult to achieve from diet alone.
Orally, lutein is used for preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and retinitis
pigmentosa. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Epidemiological evidence suggests that
people who consume higher amounts of lutein in their diet have a reduced risk of developing AMD.
In this study had a high baseline lutein intake and therefore might not benefit as much by further
increasing lutein intake.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking lutein supplements 10 mg per day for 12 months
can improve some symptoms of AMD such as macular pigment optical density and glare recovery,
near vision acuity, and contrast sensitivity.
Cataracts. There are epidemiological studies that suggest a reduced risk of developing severe
cataracts that require surgical removal in people consuming higher amounts of lutein in their diet.
Contra Indications?
Do not use if you have experience any negative side-effects with similar products or if you are
sensitive to any of the ingredients as listed in the nutritional information.
Warnings?
Discontinue use if any unwanted side-effects are experienced and contact a health care professional
as soon as possible.
This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.
Consult a health care professional if you not sure how or when to use this product or if you have a
known sensitivity to any of the listed ingredients.
Interactions?
There are no known interactions with the ingredients at their respective dosages. If you are however
being treated for any condition it is always wise to consult with your health care professional for
advice before using any nutraceutical supplements.
The LIB is also not aware of any adverse health reports from interactions between lutein and
medications. However, the surest way to learn about possible interactions between your medication
and any supplements is to consult your doctor before beginning such a regimen. The same is true for
lutein.
Interactions with Diseases or Conditions?
CYSTIC FIBROSIS: Due to pancreatic enzyme deficiency, dietary carotenoid absorption is often
decreased in patients with cystic fibrosis. These patients often have low serum levels of lutein and its
stereoisomer, zeaxanthin. Lutein supplement absorption might also be decreased in the patients.
Interaction with other Herbs and Supplements?
Pregnancy and lactation: Pregnant or breast feeding woman should consult their doctor for advice
before taking this product.
SAFE when used orally and appropriately in amounts found in foods.
Will taking Oc-Q-Vue prevent me from developing AMD and/or improve my vision?
No. There is no known treatment that can prevent the development of AMD. The AREDS study
showed that the vitamins taken supported eye health, but did not show that patients would see
improvement in their vision. No vitamin or supplement has ever been scientifically proven to
improve vision lost to AMD.
Oc-Q-Vue is a powerful combination of carotenoids, vitamins and minerals.
The main ingredients in Oc-Q-Vue is
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Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Cryptoxanthin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Lutein and EYE Health
Lutein and other carotenoids are deposited throughout our skin through the lutein we
consume.1 Research suggests 10 mg of lutein from food or dietary supplements may play a role in
maintaining healthy skin.2, 3, 4
A recent human clinical study showed 10 mg of lutein daily increased skin hydration, elasticity and
skin lipid content.5 This is the first research to show improvement in skin health through lutein
supplementation alone.
Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Along with our eyes, it is the only organ of the body
constantly exposed to the environment. Skin is "assaulted" by
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Light (especially ultraviolet and visible wavelengths)
Environmental pollutants
** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Lutein and Women's Health
Research has suggested a minimum of 6-10 mg per day of lutein is necessary to realize lutein’s
health benefits. One such benefit is lutein’s role in eye health, specifically its role in reducing the risk
of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).** In particular to women’s health, research has
implicated gender as a risk factor for AMD with women at a higher risk than men. 6 It is documented
that women have approximately 20% lower macular pigment in the eye compared to men.7
Women’s health research suggests lutein may also have a role during pregnancy and
lactation. Researchers have found lutein and zeaxanthin in breast milk and umbilical cord plasma,
suggesting that these carotenoids may be transferred from mothers to babies.8, 9
In addition, studies indicate that foods rich in carotenoids - lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, betacarotene, alpha-carotene - may have protective benefits against breast cancer risk.**10-13
** These statements have not been evaluated by the Medicine Control Council of South Africa. This
product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Why is lutein important in our diet?
Simply put, lutein is an antioxidant that appears to quench or reduce harmful free radicals in various
parts of the body. ** Free radicals can play a role in a variety of chronic diseases.
Lutein also filters the high-energy, blue wavelengths of light from the visible-light spectrum by as
much as 90%.16 Blue light, in both indoor lighting and sunlight, is believed to induce oxidative stress
and possible free-radical damage in human organs exposed to light, such as the eyes and skin. Blue
light is not the same as the commonly known ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B wavelengths of the
invisible spectrum.
How much lutein do we need?
Research suggests a minimum of 6-10 mg per day of lutein from dark green leafy vegetables and
other sources is necessary to realize lutein’s health benefits. Even if you eat a balanced diet, you’d
need a large bowl of fresh spinach to get about 6 mg of lutein. Most Americans just don’t consume
enough foods rich in lutein. Lutein is widely available in a variety of nutritional supplements and
fortified foods and beverages for people wanting to supplement their dietary intake of lutein,
making their diet even better for their eyes.
Research Findings
1. Gonzalez, S., Astner S., et al. (2003). "Dietary lutein/zeaxanthin decreases ultraviolet B-induced light epidermal
hyperproliferation and acute inflammation in hairless mice." J Invest Dermatol 121: 399-405.
2. Van de Leun, J.C. (1996). "UV Radiation from Sunlight: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations." J Photochem.
Photobiol. B: Biol. 35: 237-244.
3. Podda, M., Traber, M.G., et al. (1998). "UV-Irradiation depletes antioxidants and causes oxidative damage in a model of
human skin." Free Rad. Biol. Med. 24: 55-65.
4. Morganti, P., Bruno, C., et al. (2002). "Role of topical and nutritional supplement to modify the oxidative stress."
International J Cosmetic Science 24:331-339.
5. Morganti P., Palambo, P., et al. (2006). "New Evidence for Efficacy of Lutein/Zeaxanthin in Skin Health." Beyond Beauty
Paris 2006 Conference Abstract.
6. (2000). “Risk factors associated with age-related macular degeneration. A case-control study in the age-realted eye
disease study: Age-Related Eye Disease Study Report Number 3.”Ophthalmology 107: 2224-32.
7. Richer, S. (2005). “Gaining ground in the war on AMD.” European lenses and technology Oct-Nov: 6-10.
8. Scheigert F.J., Bathe K., et al. (1998). “Effect of the stage of lactation in humans on carotenoid levels in milk, blood
plasma and plasma lipoprotein fractions.” Eur J Clin Nutr 52: 754-759.
9. Yeum, K. J., Ferland, G., et al. (1998). "Relationship of plasma carotenoids, retinol and tocopherols in mothers and
newborn infants." J Am Coll Nutr 17(5): 442-7.
10. Peng, Y.M., Peng, Y.S., et al. (1993). "A nonsaponification method for the determination of carotenoids, retinoids, and
tocopherols in solid human issues." Cancer Epidermiol Biomarkers Prev 2:139-144.
11. Kim, M.K., Park, Y.G., et al. (2002). "Breast cancer, serum antioxidant vitamins, and p53 protein overexpression." Nutr
Cancer43:159-166.
12. McMillan, D.C. Talwar, D., et al. (2002). "The relationship between reduced vitamin antioxidant concentrations and the
systemic inflammatory response in patients with common solid tumours." Clin Nutr 21:161-164.
13. Sato, N., Helzlsouer, K., et al. (2002). "Prospective study of carotenoids, tocopherols, and retinoid concentrations and
the risk of breast cancer." Cancer Epidermiol Biomarkers Prev 11: 451-457.
14. Morganti Morganti, P., Bruno, C., et al. (2002). "Role of topical and nutritional supplement to modify the oxidative
stress." International J Cosmetic Science 24:331-339.
15. Krinsky, N.I., et al., (2003). “Biologic Mechanisms of the Protective Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye.” Annu.
Rev. Nutr. 23: 71-201.
Scientific References
Palombo P, Fabrizi G, Ruocco V, Ruocco E, Flühr J, Roberts R, Sousa-Martins D, and Morganti P. New Evidence for Efficacy of
Lutein/Zeaxanthin in Skin Health. Beyond Beauty Paris 2006 Conference Abstract, 2006.
2006
Rerksuppaphol, S; Rerksuppaphol, L. Effect of fruit and vegetable intake on skin carotenoid detected by non-invasive Raman
spectroscopy. J Med Assoc Thai. 2006; 89(8):1206-12
2006
Darvin, M; Zastrow, L; Sterry, W; Lademann, J. Effect of supplemented and topically applied antioxidant substances on human
tissue. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2006; 19(5):238-47
2006
Wisniewska A, Widomska J, and Subczynski WK. Carotenoid — membrane interactions in liposomes: effect of dipolar,
monopolar, and nonpolar carotenoids. Acta Biochimica Polonica, Paper in Press, No. 1328. 2006 Sep 11 (epub).
2006
Santocono M, Zurria M, Berrettini M, Fedeli D, Falcioni G. Influence of astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein on DNA damage and
repair in UVA-irradiated cells. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2006 Sep 7; [Epub ahead of print]
2006
Rabe J., Mamelak A, et al. Photoaging: Mechanisms and repair. J. Am Acad Dermatology 2006;55:1-19
2006
Heinrich U, Tronnier H, Stahl W, Bejot M, Maurette JM. Antioxidant Supplements Improve Parameters Related to Skin Structure
in Humans. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2006 May 4;19(4):224-231 [Epub ahead of print]
2006
Pintea A, Diehl H, Momeu C, Aberle L, Socaciu C. Incorporation of carotenoid esters into liposomes. Biophysical Chemistry
2005;118:7–14.
2005
Lutein and Zeaxanthin - Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2005 Jun;10(2):128-135.
2005
Stahl W, Sies H. Bioactivity and protective effects of natural carotenoids. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2005 May 30;1740(2):101-7.
2005
McNaughton SA, Marks GC, Gaffney P, Williams G, Green AC. Antioxidants and basal cell carcinoma of the skin: A nested casecontrol study. Cancer Causes Control. 2005 Jun;16(5):609-18.
2005
Millen AE, Tucker MA, Hartge P, Halpern A, Elder DE, Guerry D 4th, Holly EA, Sagebiel RW, Potischman N. Diet and
melanoma in a case-control study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Jun;13(6):1042-51.
2004
Lee EH, Faulhaber D, Hanson KM, Ding W, Peters S, Kodali S, Granstein RD. Dietary lutein reduces ultraviolet radiation-induced
inflammation and immunosuppression. J Invest Dermatol. 2004 Feb;122(2):510-7.
2004
Dorgan JF, Boakye NA, Fears TR, Schleicher RL, Helsel W, Anderson C, Robinson J, Guin JD, Lessin S, Ratnasinghe LD,
Tangrea JA. Serum carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol and risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.
2004 Aug;13(8):1276-82.
2004
Morganti P, Fabrizi G, Bruno C. Protective effects of oral antioxidants on skin and eye function. Skinmed. 2004 NovDec;3(6):310-6.
2004
Chaparro RS, Carr E, Barron JL. Hypercarotenaemia or hypercarotenoidaemia. Ann Clin Biochem. 2003 May;40(Pt 3):280-2.
2003
Gonzalez S, Astner S, An W, Goukassian D, Pathak MA. Dietary lutein/zeaxanthin decreases ultraviolet B-induced epidermal
hyperproliferation and acute inflammation in hairless mice. J Invest Dermatol. 2003 Aug;121(2):399-405.
2003
Mukhtar H. Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables for photoprotection: emerging evidence. J Invest Dermatol. 2003 Aug:121(2):vii.
2003
Sies H, Stahl W. Non-nutritive bioactive constituents of plants: lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2003
Mar;73(2):95-100.
2003
Heinrich U, Gartner C, Wiebusch M, Eichler O, Sies H, Tronnier H, Stahl W. Supplementation with beta-carotene or a similar
amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema. J Nutr. 2003 Jan;133(1):98-101.
2003
Fung TT, Spiegelman D, Egan KM, Giovannucci E, Hunter DJ, Willett WC. Vitamin and carotenoid intake and risk of squamous
cell carcinoma of the skin. Int J Cancer. 2003 Jan 1;103(1):110-5.
2003
Morganti P, Bruno C, Guarneri F, Cardillo P, Del Ciotto P, Valenzano F. Role of topical and nutritional supplement to modify the
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Stahl W, Sies H. Carotenoids and protection against solar UV radiation. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002 SepOct;15(5):291-6. Review.
2002
Eichler O, Sies H, Stahl W. Divergent optimum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and lutein protecting against UVB irradiation in
human fibroblasts. Photochem Photobiol. 2002 May;75(5):503-6.
2002
Bruch-Gerharz D, Stahl W, Gerharz CD, Megahed M, Wingerath T, Sies H, Ruzicka T. Accumulation of the xanthophylls lutein in
skin amyloid deposits of systemic amyloidosis (AL type). J Invest Dermatol. 2001 Jan;116(1):196-197.
2001
Nagao T, Warnakulasuriya S, Ikeda N, Fukano H, Yamamoto S, Yano M, Miyazaki H, Ito Y. Serum antioxidant micronutrient
levels in oral lichen planus. J Oral Pathol Med. 2001 May;30(5):264-7.
2001
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2000
Hata TR, Scholz TA, Ermakov IV, McClane RW, Khackik F, Gellermann W, Pershing LK. Non-invasive raman spectroscopic
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2000
Stahl W, Heinrich U, Jungmann H, Sies, H, Tronnier H. Carotenoids and carotenoids plus vitamin E protect against ultraviolet
light-induced erythema in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 71:795-798.
2000
Stahl W, Heinrich U, Jungmann H, von Laar J, Schietzel M, Sies H, Tronnier H. Increased dermal carotenoid levels assessed by
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1998
Wingerath T, Sies H, Stahl W. Xanthophyll esters in human skin. Arch Biochem Biophy. 1998 Jul;355(2):271-274.
1998
Taylor EJ, Evans FJ. Anti-psoriatic action of lutein demonstrated by inhibition of rat photodermatitis. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1998
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1998
O'Connor I, O'Brian N. Modulation of UVA light-induced oxidative stress by B-carotene, lutein and astaxanthin in cultured
fibroblasts. J Dermat Sci. 1998 16:226-230.
1998
Rocchi E, Stella AM, Cassanelli M, Borghi A, Nardella N, Seium Y, Casalgrandi G. Liposoluble vitamins and naturally occurring
carotenoids in porphyria cutanea tarda. Eur J Clin Invest. 1995 Jul;25(7):510-4.
1995
Peng YM, Peng YS, Lin Y. A nonsaponification method for the determination of carotenoids, retinoids, and tocopherols in solid
human tissues. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1993 Mar-Apr;2(2):139-44.
1993
Peng YM, Peng YS, Lin Y, Moon T, Baier M. Micronutrient concentrations in paired skin and plasma of patients with actinic
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1993
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