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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Other ingredients that support Eyes

3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Acetyl L-carnitine
Alchornea
Algae
algal oil
Alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
apricot
Aronia melanocarpa
astaxanthin
avocado
barbary matrimony vine
bee products
Beef liver
berry
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
bilberry
bioflavonoids
black currant
blackberry
Blakeslea trispora
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
cantaloupe
capsanthin
Carnosine
carotene (unspecified)
carrot
Celosia
chickweed
Chinese Ligustrum berry
chrysanthemum
citicoline
cocklebur
cod liver oil
cornflower
Cornus
crocetin
crocin
Crypthecodinium
cryptoxanthin
currant
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Dunaliella salina
egg
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ergothioneine
Eyebright
Fagopyrum
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish
fish oil
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flavonols
fruit
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
Gac
gamma-carotene
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Glutathione
goji berry
gooseberry
Haematococcus pluvialis
haliotis
herbal blend (proprietary)
huckleberry
hyaluronic acid
Idebenone
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
Ligustrum
lipids
lutein
Lycium
marigold
Marine fat
Marine lipid
Melatonin
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mulberry
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
Phaffia rhodozyma
pine bark
Polygonum
polyphenols
polyunsaturated fat
proanthocyanidins
procyanidol
pumpkin
Pycnogenol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose
rue
rutin
saffron
Salmon Oil
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
Spanish Needle
spinach
Tagetes
Taurine
Tea
trace minerals
Triphala
Troxerutin
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
Xanthophyll
Zeaxanthin
Zinc

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.