Codeage Macular Protection Proprietary Blend
Also known as: Codeage Macular Protection Proprietary Blend, Macular carotenoids, AREDS2 formula components, Eye health supplement, Lutein and Zeaxanthin with AREDS2 Formula
Overview
The Codeage Macular Protection Proprietary Blend is an advanced eye health supplement designed to support macular health and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is based on the extensively researched AREDS2 formula, which includes key antioxidants (Vitamins C, E), minerals (Zinc), and macular carotenoids (Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Meso-zeaxanthin). The blend also incorporates additional ingredients such as Astaxanthin, plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and botanical extracts like Eyebright, Bilberry, and Saffron. These components work synergistically to provide comprehensive antioxidant protection, filter harmful blue light, and support the structural integrity of retinal cells. The primary goal of this supplement is to preserve visual acuity and reduce oxidative stress in the eyes, particularly for individuals at risk of or with existing AMD.
Benefits
The primary benefit of this blend, largely due to its AREDS2 components, is the significant reduction in the risk of progression to advanced Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) like AREDS and AREDS2 have demonstrated that this formulation can reduce the risk of advanced AMD by approximately 25-30% over a 5-year period in individuals with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye. This reduction is clinically meaningful for at-risk populations. The inclusion of lutein and zeaxanthin (replacing beta-carotene) maintains efficacy while mitigating the lung cancer risk previously associated with beta-carotene in smokers. The combination of antioxidants and zinc also significantly reduces the odds of a 15-letter or greater visual acuity decrease (p=0.008). While Omega-3 fatty acids may support retinal cell membrane integrity, the AREDS2 trial did not find a significant benefit for AMD progression with omega-3 supplementation alone. Botanical ingredients like bilberry and saffron offer some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially contributing to overall eye health, though their evidence base is less robust than the core AREDS2 components. Benefits typically manifest after several years of consistent supplementation.
How it works
The blend primarily targets ocular tissues, especially the macula and retina, through several mechanisms. Antioxidants such as Vitamins C, E, carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin), and astaxanthin neutralize reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress which is a major contributor to AMD pathogenesis. Zinc plays a crucial role by supporting the function of antioxidant enzymes and modulating immune responses within the retina. The macular carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin) accumulate in the macula, where they act as a natural filter for harmful blue light and protect photoreceptor cells from damage. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to maintaining the fluidity of photoreceptor cell membranes and support anti-inflammatory pathways. The inclusion of phospholipids in the blend is intended to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of fat-soluble carotenoids and vitamins.
Side effects
AREDS2-based supplements are generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects, though infrequent, may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) could involve allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to any of the botanical components. A notable safety consideration is that the original AREDS formula contained beta-carotene, which was linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers; however, this blend replaces beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin, thereby mitigating this risk. Zinc, a component of the blend, may interact with certain antibiotics (e.g., quinolones, tetracyclines) and diuretics, potentially reducing their absorption or efficacy; consultation with a healthcare provider is advised. Contraindications include known allergies to any ingredient in the blend. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a physician before using this supplement. High doses of zinc (above 80 mg daily) or vitamin E (above 400 IU) are not recommended due to potential adverse effects.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for this blend is largely guided by the AREDS2 clinical trials. These trials utilized daily doses of 10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, 80 mg zinc, 500 mg vitamin C, and 400 IU vitamin E. The Codeage blend appears to provide comparable or higher doses, for example, 20 mg lutein and 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin, aligning with or exceeding AREDS2 levels. Daily supplementation is recommended, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids is significantly enhanced when taken with meals containing dietary fat. The inclusion of phospholipids in the capsule formulation is designed to further improve the absorption of these components. While specific maximum safe doses for all proprietary blend ingredients are not explicitly stated, zinc doses exceeding 80 mg daily and vitamin E doses above 400 IU are generally not recommended due to increased risk of adverse effects.
FAQs
Is this blend effective for preventing AMD?
This blend is primarily effective for slowing the progression of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in individuals already diagnosed with intermediate or advanced AMD, rather than preventing its initial onset in healthy individuals.
Is it safe for smokers?
Yes, this formulation is safe for smokers because it replaces beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin, thereby eliminating the increased lung cancer risk associated with beta-carotene in smokers.
How long until benefits appear?
The significant benefits of this supplement, particularly in slowing AMD progression, typically manifest after several years of consistent, daily use, as observed in long-term clinical trials.
Can it improve vision?
While it helps to slow down the rate of vision loss associated with AMD, this supplement is not designed to restore vision that has already been lost due to the condition.
Are botanicals like bilberry and saffron proven?
The evidence for the efficacy of botanicals like bilberry and saffron in eye health is less robust and more preliminary compared to the strong, high-quality evidence supporting the core AREDS2 ingredients.
Research Sources
- https://www.brightfocus.org/resource/new-study-confirms-the-efficacy-of-areds2-eye-vitamin-supplement-for-slowing-age-related-macular-degeneration/ – This source discusses the long-term follow-up of the AREDS2 study, confirming that the AREDS2 formula (with lutein/zeaxanthin replacing beta-carotene) effectively reduces AMD progression and lowers lung cancer risk. It highlights the sustained benefits over a decade.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1462955/ – This article refers to the original Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a landmark randomized controlled trial. It found that a specific combination of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD by about 25% over a median of 6.3 years.
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00594672 – This is the official clinical trial registry entry for the AREDS2 study. It details the design, participant numbers, and primary outcomes of the Phase III RCT, which investigated the effects of adding lutein/zeaxanthin and/or omega-3 fatty acids to the original AREDS formula for AMD progression.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34780311/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to a study or review related to macular protection. While the specific content isn't detailed, it suggests research supporting the efficacy of ingredients for macular health, potentially including carotenoids or other antioxidants.
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