Evidence supporting the use of: Flavanol (mixture)
For the body system: Eyes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Flavanols, a subclass of flavonoids found in foods such as cocoa, tea, apples, and berries, have been studied for their potential benefits to eye health, particularly due to their antioxidant and vasodilatory properties. Scientific research indicates that flavanols can improve blood flow, including ocular circulation, and may help protect retinal cells from oxidative stress, which is implicated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye conditions. A number of human and animal studies suggest that diets rich in flavanols can help reduce the risk or progression of certain eye diseases by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage in ocular tissues. For example, a 2018 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that higher dietary intake of flavonoids was associated with a lower risk of developing AMD.
However, while the evidence is promising, it is not yet definitive. Most studies evaluate "flavonoids" as a broad group, and only a limited number specifically isolate the effects of flavanols (as a mixture) on eye health. More robust, long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and determine optimal dosages. Nonetheless, the antioxidant action and vascular benefits of flavanols provide a scientific rationale for their use in supporting eye health, even if the evidence base is still developing.
Other ingredients that support Eyes
acetyl l-carnitinealgal 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
haliotis
polyphenols
trace minerals
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Aronia melanocarpa
Alchornea
Avocado
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
beta-zeacarotene
Beef liver
Blakeslea trispora
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
Flavonoids
Fish
Fatty acids
Fagopyrum
Flavoglycosides
fibroblast growth factor
Rose
Squid
Squash
Other body systems supported by Flavanol (mixture)
ArteriesBlood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Eyes
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Skin
Veins