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VisClear 20/20™
An Eye-Essential Dietary Supplement

VisClear 20/20 ™ has been formulated to work with the body, enhancing its ability to maintain the health of the eyes and avoid degenerative disorders, including cataracts and macular degeneration.

VisClear 20/20™ contains twenty (20) natural ingredients that have been researched thoroughly and selected for their role in improving the structure and function of the eye, in particular the macula, retina and lens.

Each ingredient is pharmaceutical quality, which insures maximum bioavailably. VisClear 20/20™ is encapsulated in vegetable based capsules for quick dissolution and maxi-mum potency.

Why take a supplement to improve the health of your eyes?

Key Ingredients in VisClear 20/20™
Vitamin A ................................................................................................ (2,500 IU)
One of four retinal photo-pigments, Vitamin A is essential for photo-transduction. It normalizes and protects the eye's epithelial cells, including the retinal pigment epithelium.

Beta Carotene ................................................ (5,000 IU)
From Dunaliella & Spirulina (vegetable algae)
To combat the damaging effects of sunlight, our antioxidant defense system naturally concentrates beta carotene in the eye.

Physiologically and medically, natural beta carotene functions as a potent radical quenching antioxidant. It is especially important for health of the epithelial portion of the lens.

Gram for gram, dunaliella contains approximately 100 times more beta carotene than carrots. The beta carotene used in VisClear 20™ contains 9-CIS Beta Carotene, a highly fat soluble, non-crystallized carotenoid.

Floraglo™ Lutein ................................................ (6 mg.)
Patent # 5, 382, 714 & 5, 648, 564
Lutein is the predominant carotenoid found in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, corn and pumpkins. Scientist have documented more evidence of its biological antioxidant activity in blood serum than they have for other carotenoids. Lutein is deposited in the macular region of the eye. Deterioration of this pigment has been correlated with the onset of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of irreversible blindness among adults over 50.

There are reasons to believe that lutein may play an important role in protecting the eyes. Lutein is the main pigment (coloring chemical) in the center of the retina, the region of maximum visual sensitivity, known as the macula. Macular degeneration is damage to the macula and leads to severe loss of vision.

Lutein appears to act as a natural eyeshade, protecting the retina against too much light. As we age, our eyes gradu-ally lose lutein. Some researchers have theorized that this loss allows sunlight to damage the retina, leading to macular degeneration. This may explain why a higher dietary intake of lutein appears to reduce the risk of this common cause of blindness in adults.

Besides protecting the macula, lutein may also shield the lens of the eye from light damage, slowing down the development of cataracts.

VisClear 20/20™ contains a purified form of lutein extracted from marigolds (which gives them their color), and purified by an exclusive patented process (U.S. Patent # 5, 382, 714). Because of this process, our lutein has been trademarked Floraglo™. It offers a level of lutein equiva-lent to or higher than that found in fresh vegetables and fruits. The 6 mg. level is equivalent to eating approxi-mately 14 ounces of pumpkin.

Lyco-o-Mato™ Lycopene ................................................ (6 mg.)
Lycopene is one of the 600 known carotenoids found in plants. Five carotenoids are commonly found in human plasma from ingesting plant foods. They are alpha caro-tene, beta carotene, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin and lycopene.

The major source of lycopene is found in tomatoes and tomato based products. Other food sources are watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit and blood oranges. 85% of the dietary intake of lycopene, however, comes from tomatoes and tomato products.

According to a 1996 study, the intake of lycopene in Americans averages approximately 3.1 mg. to 3.7 mg. a day. Other populations have even lower intakes, with an average intake estimated to be 1.3 mg./day in Germany, 1.1 mg./day in Great Britain and 0.7 mg./day in Finland. The intake of lycopene is generally higher in males than females and decreases with age. The highest intake was for American children 12 to 19 due to the quantity of ketchup, pizza and pasta with tomato sauces in their diet. These foods, however, are filled with sugar, highly proc-essed white flour, cholesterol and fat, and loaded with calories, hardly the best sources of lycopene.

Lycopene has been demonstrated to be the most potent of all the carotenoids in quenching singlet oxygen, a highly reactive and short lived molecule capable of causing extensive cell damage. Plasma levels of lycopene are influenced by dietary intake, age, gender, hormonal status, body mass & composition, blood lipid levels, smoking, alcohol and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Lycopene is concentrated in the liver, prostate, adrenal glands and testes. Over 80% is concentrated in the adrenal glands and testes. A higher concentration of lycopene in the organs suggests a relationship to biological function. Several studies have shown that the consumption of tomato products may reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, particularly prostate cancer. As the consumption of tomato products increases, the relative risk of cancer decreases.

The Lyco-o-Mato™ brand of lycopene used in VisClear 20/20™, is patented and is derived from non-genetically altered tomatoes (GMO free). This standardized lycopene contains a group of important tomato phytochemicals such as tocophenols, phyto-steroids and carotenoids (phytoflu-ene, phytoene and zeta-carotene.

There is some evidence that suggests that lycopene can reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Spirulina ................................................ (10 mg.)
Hawaiian blue-green algae
In addition to it is very high carotenoid/phytonutrient activity, spirulina provides a full range of B vitamins (B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 6 , B 12 ), folic and pantothenic acid. Its highly digestible protein makes it a good source of amino acids and structural proteins.

Grape Seed Extract ................................................ (5 mg.)
Standardized 95% OPCs (or POCs)
Grape seed extract is a rich source of one of the most beneficial groups of plant flavonoids - the proanthocyanidens. These flavonoids exert many health promoting effects. Collectively, mixtures of proanthocyaniden dimers, trimers, tetramers and larger molecules are referred to as procyanidolic oligomers or PCO for short.

PCO extract has demonstrated a wide range of pharmaco-logical activity. These effects include an ability to increase intracellular vitamin C levels, decrease capillary permeabil-ity and fragility, scavenge oxidants and free radicals and inhibit destruction of collagen. Clinical studies have shown positive results in the treatment of disorders of the retina, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Research also indicates that PCOs improve night vision and glare recovery.

Bilberry Extract ................................................ (25 mg.)
Standardized 25% anthocyanosides
10:1 concentrate (equivalent to 250 mg.)

Ginkgo Biloba ................................................ (5 mg.)
Standardized

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) ................................................ (20 mg.)
This popular herb has been used for over 2000 years in the treatment of eye diseases and to restore poor vision.

Bioperine™ ................................................ (5 mg.)
Standardized 95% Piperine
US Patent #5, 536,506, 5,744.161
Bioperine™ is referred to as nature™s thermonutrient and bioavailbility enhancer. Clinical studies show that Bioperine™ interacts directly with the intestinal epithelial cells, increasing their ability to absorb food and nutrients. Beta carotene absorption varies among humans, with some individuals consistently absorbing it well, while others do not. Recently a bioavailability study showed that using 5 mg. of Bioperine™ with 15 mg. of beta carotene once a day increased the blood levels of beta carotene almost twofold. These results indicate that Bioperine™ possesses the potential to increase the bioavailability of other nutri-ents as well.

Selenium (L-Selenomethione) ................................................ (70 mcg.)
Glutathione peroxidase in the human lens is selenium-dependent. Studies show that the selenium content in the human lens with cataracts is only 15% of normal. Sele-nium also protects the cell, the mitochondria, the micro-some and the lysosome membranes from lipid peroxidation damage. Selenium is closely related to vitamin E in many of its antioxidant functions. It is very important in the treatment of ARMD.

OptiZinc™ ................................................ (10 mg.)
Zinc is a vital antioxidant for normal lens function and integrity. Therefore, it is an important nutrient in the treatment of macular degeneration. Zinc is distributed in all tissue, with substantial concentrations in the eyes, particularly the retina, iris and choroid. It helps maintain normal vitamin A levels and is important for insulin activity, immune function, wound healing and synthesis of protein and DNA. The optimum ratio of zinc to copper is 10:1.

Copper Gluconate ................................................ (1 mg.)
The beneficial effects of copper relate to its role as the metallic portion in several enzymes. The two enzymes with the greatest clinical relevance are lysyl-oxidase (required in the normal cross-linking of collagen and elastin) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) which breaks down the superoxide free radical. A copper deficiency is associated with poor collagen integrity. This poor integrity manifests itself in the rupture of blood vessels, brain disturbances, increased lipid peroxidation, elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol levels and impaired immune function. As stated previously, the proper ratio of copper to zinc is 1:10.

Taurine ................................................ (75 mg.)
This amino acid is important in retinol functioning. It appears to protect photoreceptors and regulate signal transduction. Retinol pathologies, including diminished ERGs and morphologic changes have been observed when taurine is deficient.

L-Glutathione ................................................ (5 mg.)
A powerful antioxidant compound found in very high concentrations in the lens of the eye where it maintains reduced sulphur bond protein. It protects the lens against damage by toxins and has been found to be diminished in virtually all forms of cataracts. It also plays a major role as an antioxidant in the prevention of ARMD.

N-Acetylcysteine ................................................ (50 mg.)
The key component of the body's antioxidant defense system. It is a powerful free radical scavenger and has the ability to chelate heavy metals. It is know to increase the tissue levels of glutathione and protect the liver against dysfunction and hepatotoxicity. Research indicates that it may prevent cataracts.

L-Glycine ................................................ (25 mg.)
Glutathione is produced by the contribution of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Glycine is one of the few amino acids that helps spare glucose for energy by improving glycogen storage. It is important for brain metabolism, where it has a calming effect. Glycine is needed for the synthesis of the hemoglobin molecule, collagen and glutathione. When blood fat or uric acid levels are too high, it helps clear or utilize these sub-stances. Glycine has also been shown to be helpful in reducing gastric acidity.

Alpha Lipoic Acid ................................................ (10 mg.)
A powerful antioxidant that is both fat and water soluble. It regenerates or mimics other less powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E and raises glutathione levels.

Bioflavonoids ................................................ (150 mg.)
Bioflavonoids are organic compounds found in plants and are the Key to the power of antioxidants. These powerful substances, named vitamin P for many years, are known to reduce inflammation and pain, strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, improve liver function and improve vision.

The best sources of bioflavonoids are the white material underneath citrus peels, grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba and bilberry. All of these sources are found in VisClear 20/20™.

Zeaxanthin ................................................ (30 mcg.)
Zeazanthin (a carotenoid) is a protective yellow pigment that, along with lutein (also a yellow pigment) covers the macula and protects it from oxidative damage initiated by the absorption of short wavelength light. A study sponsored by the Natural Eye Institute found that high intakes of foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin were associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Research at the Harvard School of Medicine found that a diet high in carotenoids can reduce the risk of developing ARMD by 43%. Lutein and zeaxanthin were identified as the two most effective antioxidants.

VisClear 20™'s zeaxanthin is derived from mixed sources, including dunaliella, spirulina, lutein and beta carotene.

Summary
Compare VisClear 20/20™ with any other preventative eye care supplement and you will immediately see why this is the world's best dietary supplement to guard the health of your eyes.

To insure the health of your eyes, schedule regular eye exams, stop smoking and use the appropriate eye protection.


References
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2. Landrum J T, Bone R A and Kiburn M D. The macular pigment: a possible role in protection from age-related macular degeneration. Adv. Pharmacol 38:537-555, 1997.
3. Hammond, B R Jr., Wooten B R, and Snodderly DM. Density of the human crystalline lens is related to the macular pigment carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Optom vis Sci 74:499-504. 1997.
4. Hankinson S, Stampfer M, Seddon J. et al. Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: A prospective study. BMJ 305:335-339, 1992.
5. Mares-Pearlman JA, Brady WE & Klein BE, et. al. Serum antioxidants and age-related macular degeneration in a population-based case-control study. Arch Ophthalmol 113:1518-1523, 1995.
6. Lebuisson DA, et. al. Treatment of senile macular degeneration with Ginkgo Biloba extract : A preliminary double-blind, drug vs placebo study. Presse Med 15: 1556-1558, 1986.
7. Bravetti, G. Preventative medical treatment of senile cataract with vitamin E and anthocyanodins: Clinical evaluation. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul 115: 109, 1989.
8. Steven Bratman, M.D. & David Knoll. Ph.D. The Natural Pharmacist, Natural Health Bible, Prima Publishing, 1999.
9. Scholl, Lisette. 28 Days to Reading Without Glasses, A Natural Method for Improving your Vision, A Citadel Press Book, 1998.
10. Shari Lieberman, PhD and Nancy Bruning. The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book, Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
11. Independence for Older Americans: An Investment for Our Future, Alliance for Aging Research, Washington D.C., Visual Impairment p. 12-13.
12. Lutein in the Diet, Making the Superior Choice for Supplementation, Kemin Foods, 1999.
13. Pratt, Steven G. MD., FACS. What We Now Know About AMD and Nutrition, Review of Ophthalmology, August, 1998.
14. Bennington, Jon and Jones, Tony. io Nutrition and Eyesightln, Health Supplement Retailer, Nov. 1996.
15. Woodward, Kimball P. MD, PhD, FACS. iA Macular Degeneration, The Role of Antioxidantsl.. (Dr. Kimball is presently Director of Medical and Surgical Retina at the Langerman Eye Institute, New York.)
16. Technical Literature Published by Kemin Foods, L.C.
L Lutein Studies in the Lens and Retina;
L Lutein Studies and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
L Prevalence of Lutein versus Lutcin Esters in Human Diets, Zoraida De Freitas, Ph.D.
17. Zamperion, Eugene R. and Kamtii, Ellen J.. "Eyeing the Bilberryly" , Healthy & Natural.
18. Dunaliella and Beta Carotene, A Technical Brochure, Weinstein/Asland Nutritional Products.

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