Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Arrest Age Related Macular Degeneration

ASTAXANTHIN ARRESTS AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) could be slowed, if not stopped, by taking the powerful antioxidant found in astaxanthin, a potent carotenoid. Studies show that astaxanthin’s superior antioxidant behaviour, its capacity to neutralise singlet oxygen free radicals and its ability to cross the blood brain barrier, combine to make this a viable way to arrest AMD.

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

The macula is a small area at the centre of the retina. Its key role is to allow you to see what is straight in front of you. It enables you to see colour and fine details so you can read and write.

If the delicate cells of the macula are damaged and stop working, this is known as macular degeneration. It this occurs later in life it is called Age- Related Macular Degeneration or AMD.

How Can Astaxanthin Help?

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant. Studies suggest that it has 10 times the antioxidant capacity of beta-carotene and is 500 times more effective than Vitamin E.

The macula – and eye in general – has a particularly high level of oxygen, so it is susceptible to photo oxidation, whereby light falling on the eye creates singlet oxygen (free radicals) in the area. Cataract removal and other eye surgery can leave the macula exposed to further damage.

Free radicals destroy the body’s tissues and when they occur in the eye, the macula becomes damaged. They present themselves as unbonded (ie ‘free’) atoms. Antioxidants track down free radicals in the body and are able to bond with them to ‘neutralise’ them and render them harmless. In so doing antioxidants help maintain cell and tissue integrity.

Astaxanthin is particularly good for AMD because it is rare in being able to cross the blood brain barrier and thus reach the eye. Here it can protect the retina against photo oxidation and tests show that astaxanthin protects the whole eye as well from light induced damage.

What is Bio-Xanthin?

Bio-Xanthin is a natural Astaxanthin supplement presented in a one-a-day gel cap. It is cultivated in Hawaii in shallow ponds 20cm deep and 90 metres long and 35 metres wide. Paddlewheels keep the water moving and the Astaxanthin is collected as the haematococcus pluvialis microalgae turns from green to red. The strong sunlight and clear water of Hawaii result in a pure and potent product that is IS0 9001 certified, non-GM and environmentally friendly.

Where can I buy it?

Bio-Xanthin comes in pots of 40 gel caps and costs £12.99 from good health food shops or online at www.bioxanthin.co.uk

For more info, supporting research, samples or images contact:

Katherine Selby, PR Workshop
Tel: 0208 657 4422
Email: Katherine@prworkshop.co.uk