Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative with antioxidant properties, found in foods such as mushrooms. Its role in eye health has been the focus of some emerging scientific interest. The rationale for its use in supporting the eyes centers on the fact that oxidative stress contributes to the development of various ocular diseases, notably cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ergothioneine is known to accumulate in tissues exposed to high oxidative stress, including the lens and retina, suggesting a protective effect.

Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that ergothioneine can scavenge reactive oxygen species and protect ocular cells from oxidative damage. For example, research has demonstrated that ergothioneine supplementation can reduce lens opacity in animal models, a proxy for cataract formation. However, human clinical studies directly examining ergothioneine supplementation for eye health are very limited or lacking. Most of the evidence comes from mechanistic studies or indirect epidemiological data linking dietary intake of ergothioneine-rich foods with lower risk of eye diseases.

In summary, while there is a plausible scientific basis and some preclinical evidence for ergothioneine’s role in protecting the eyes from oxidative damage, direct clinical validation in humans is limited at this time. Therefore, the scientific support for ergothioneine as an eye health supplement is still considered preliminary.

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Acetyl L-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanins
apricot
astaxanthin
berry flavor
beta-carotene
bilberry
black currant
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
carrot
citicoline
cryptoxanthin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
flavonols
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gooseberry
hyaluronic acid
hypromellose
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
lutein
mackerel
mannitol
marine lipid
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
pine bark
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rutin
saffron
sardines
shrimp
spinach
tomato
triphala
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
mulberry
zeaxanthin
zinc
chickweed
morus
chrysanthemum
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polyphenols
trace minerals
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
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3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Aronia melanocarpa
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Avocado
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
beta-zeacarotene
Beef liver
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berry
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Barbary matrimony vine
Crocin
Carnosine
Cod Liver Oil
Cyanidin
Cornflower
Cantaloupe
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cornus
Carotene (unspecified)
Crocetin
Cocklebur
Crypthecodinium
Celosia
Capsanthin
Currant
Dunaliella salina
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Egg
Ergothioneine
Eyebright
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Fruit
Flavonoids
Fat liver oil
Fish
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Fagopyrum
Flavoglycosides
fibroblast growth factor
Gac
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Haematococcus pluvialis
Huckleberry
Idebenone
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Lipids
Mineral ascorbate
Marine fat
Marigold
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Phaffia rhodozyma
Procyanidol
Proanthocyanidins
Polyunsaturated Fat
Pycnogenol
Polygonum
Rue
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Schizochytrium Oil
Spanish Needle
Schizochytrium
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Salmon Oil
Squash
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Troxerutin
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Other body systems supported by Ergothioneine

Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Eyes
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Mitochondria
Nerves
Skin

Products containing Ergothioneine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.