Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
For the body system: Eyes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vitamin C, including in the form of mixed ascorbates, is used to support eye health based on scientific evidence, particularly regarding its role in reducing the risk of age-related eye diseases. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is implicated in the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Several observational and interventional studies have examined Vitamin C’s role in eye health. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a large, multi-center clinical trial, found that a combination of antioxidants (including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta-carotene) plus zinc reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD in high-risk individuals. While Vitamin C alone was not isolated as the sole effective compound, it is a key component of the antioxidant defense system in the eye.
Additionally, some epidemiological research suggests that individuals with higher dietary intake of Vitamin C have a lower risk of developing cataracts. However, evidence from randomized controlled trials is mixed regarding supplementation's ability to prevent or slow cataract progression.
In summary, there is scientific support for Vitamin C as part of an antioxidant strategy to support eye health, particularly in reducing the risk of certain age-related conditions. However, the evidence is stronger for its use as part of a combination therapy rather than as a single agent.
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
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Flavonoids
fibroblast growth factor
Rose
Squid
Squash
Other body systems supported by Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
Adrenal GlandsArteries
Blood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Eyes
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Gums
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Liver
Lungs
Lymphatics
Mucus Membranes
Nerves
Skin
Small Intestines
Spleen
Teeth
Thymus
Urinary System
Veins