Lutein

Lutein is a member of the carotenoid family and is a lipophilic bioactive. It is related to beta-carotene. Foods rich in lutein include broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, and squash. It is a powerful antioxidant and has the ability to protect DNA and proteins against free radical damage.

Lutein is an important pigment that is concentrated in the human macula lutea (yellow spot of the eye). Some studies have suggested that a sufficient intake of lutein can prevent macular degeneration and reduce the risk for cataracts.

Recent research has shown that the benefits of lutein go beyond vision and eye health. Lutein also supports brain function and enhances memory and learning. It has been postulated that lutein is the dominant carotenoid in the brain, where it influences visual processing and other neural functions. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment have been shown to have reduced lutein status and boosting levels with supplements is associated with improvements in memory.

Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is one of the most common carotenoid bioactives found in nature. Synthesized in plants and some micro-organisms, it is the pigment that gives paprika (made from bell peppers), corn, saffron, wolfberries, and many other plants and microbes their characteristic color.

Zeaxanthin also resides in the human macula lutea (yellow spot of the eye) and research has suggested that it may reduce the risk for age-related macular degeneration and cataract. It is believed that this carotenoid has a similar chemical structure found in retina pigments. Since the eye is closely connected to the brain, it is raised that zeaxanthin could even benefit the brain.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These PUFAs can not be synthesized by the human body but has many health benefits. The health effects have been extensively documented and probably the most known effect of omega-3 PUFAs is to reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases. There are also indications that omega-3 PUFAs may lower the risk for dementia and mitigate depression.

The most important omega-3 PUFAs in the human diet are:
1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
2. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

ALA is found in plants, including chia, flaxseed, hemp, and nuts. Plants contain of fibers that are difficult to digest for humans and can reduce absorption of essential bioactives. Some studies indicate that ALA has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties. The human body contains enzymes that convert ALA into DHA and EPA, however, the conversion rates are often very low with ranges between 1% to 20%.

High concentrations of EPA and DHA are found in fish and shellfish. EPA and DHA in fish oil are easily absorbed by the human body. It is known that these PUFAs have different effects.
For instance, EPA is metabolized to eicosanoids that regulate fundamental physiological processes such as cell division and growth, blood clotting, muscle activity, and the secretion of digestive juices and hormones. Eicosanoids derived from EPA may reduce certain inflammatory processes that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
DHA is not involved in eicosanoid formation but is highly concentrated in the brain and involved in normal neurological development and functioning. Next to that, DHA is an important part of the retina and plays a role in visual development and normal eye function.

EPA

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These PUFAs can not be synthesized by the human body but has many health benefits. The health effects have been extensively documented and probably the most known effect of omega-3 PUFAs is to reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases. There are also indications that omega-3 PUFAs may lower the risk for dementia and mitigate depression.

The most important omega-3 PUFAs in the human diet are:
1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
2. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

High concentrations of EPA and DHA are found in fish and shellfish. EPA and DHA in fish oil are easily absorbed by the human body. It is known that these PUFAs have different effects.

For instance, EPA is metabolized to eicosanoids that regulate fundamental physiological processes such as cell division and growth, blood clotting, muscle activity, and the secretion of digestive juices and hormones. Eicosanoids derived from EPA may reduce certain inflammatory processes that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

DHA

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These PUFAs can not be synthesized by the human body but has many health benefits. The health effects have been extensively documented and probably the most known effect of omega-3 PUFAs is to reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases. There are also indications that omega-3 PUFAs may lower the risk for dementia and mitigate depression.

The most important omega-3 PUFAs in the human diet are:
1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
2. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

DHA is not involved in eicosanoid formation but is highly concentrated in the brain and involved in normal neurological development and functioning. Next to that, DHA is an important part of the retina and plays a role in visual development and normal eye function.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble bioactive, also known as retinol. There are 2 forms of vitamin A available in the diet: preformed and provitamin A. Preformed vitamin A comes from animal sources, with high concentrations in fish oils, eggs and milk. Provitamin A comes from plant sources and is mainly found in the form as carotenoids with the most important one: beta-carotene. The body converts these provitamin carotenoids into vitamin A.

Both preformed vitamin A and provitamin A must be metabolized intracellularly to retinal and retinoic acid, the active forms of vitamin A, to support the vitamin’s important biological function. Vitamin A plays a key role in several bodily functions including:

Vision

Vitamin A is critical for vision as an essential component of rhodopsin, a protein that absorbs light in the retinal receptors. Vitamin A maintains vision because it continuously forms new rhodopsin. Retinoic acid, is a substitute of vitamin A and supports the conjunctival membranes and cornea.

Growth and development

Vitamin A is involved in genetic regulation of cell formation and differentiation and intercellular communication. It is critical during the (neurological) development of the foetus.

Immune system

Vitamin A also supports the immune system and helps to protect against infections and invading antigens.

Skin and mucous membranes

The skin is a mechanical immune barrier, and sufficient concentrations of vitamin A available, maintain skin health.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has acknowledged the following beneficial effects of preformed vitamin A and provitamin A as a basis for health claims:
• Normal cell differentiation
• Normal function of the immune system
• Maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes
• Maintenance of normal vision
• Normal metabolism of iron