Ortho Molecular 4Sight Premier Nutritional Support for the Eyes 4sight provides excellent support for those who want to maintain eye health and also for those seeking macular support as they age. 4sight was formulated with a specific blend of botanicals, nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals shown in research to support healthy eye function. The formula provides key antioxidant support and nutrients to care for and maintain the long-term health of the eyes. Key Benefits and Features: Provides Key Antioxidant Support for Eyes Supports Macular Health Increases Ocular Circulation Ingredients Serving Size: 2 Capsules Amount/Serving Zinc (as Albion Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate) 15 mg Taurine USP 400 mg N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine USP 200 mg Bilberry Fruit Extract (Standardized to contain 36% Anthocyanosides) 150 mg Quercetin Dihydrate 100 mg Ginkgo biloba USP 60 mg (Powdered Ginkgo Extract) (Leaf) (Standardized to contain 22% Flavonol Glycosides and 5.4% Terpene Lactones) Lutein 30 mg Lycopene 6 mg Zeaxanthin 1.5 mg Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (Natural Vegetable Capsules), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, and Stearic Acid. Does Not Contain: Gluten, yeast, artificial colors or flavors. Suggested Use Take 2 capsules per day or as recommended by your healthcare professional. Warning: Do not consume this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician for further information. Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place. More Info. In the United States, eye health is a major concern for those over 60 years of age. The eye is the organ most susceptible to oxidative damage caused by light, toxins (smoke), atmospheric oxygen, and abrasion. As ultraviolet and blue light pass through the retina to the photoreceptors (rods and cones) and the pigmented epithelial (PE) cells, reactive oxygen species (free radicals) are generated. If there are insufficient antioxidants available to neutralize free radicals, the eye undergoes excessive oxidative damage. Alpha Lipoic Acid Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent, versatile antioxidant that is both water- and fat-soluble. ALA has been shown to inhibit aldose reductase, which prevents sorbitol-induced leakage of important antioxidants from eye tissues and recharges ALA, vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione. Used clinically in Russia, animal studies have shown ALA has the potential to reach high concentrations in and be protective to the ocular lens of rats. Recent studies have shown that lipoic acid increases insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, both in the whole body and in skeletal muscle, thus helping to promote healthy blood sugar levels. One study using oral dosing showed that ALA increases insulin sensitivity by 27%. Other research has found that a dose of 600 mg/day of ALA over three months helped promote healthy blood fats by 36% and provided key antioxidant support. ALA has also been shown to increase the GLUT4 pathway, a primary passageway for glucose to enter the cell and be used for metabolic energy. Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba extract is a well-studied botanical that increases cerebral blood flow and protects neurons from a variety of conditions and oxidant-induced damage. It scavenges NOS (nitric oxide species) and ROS (reactive oxygen species), supports mitochondrial function, inhibits NMDA receptor activation, antagonizes PAF (platelet-activating factor), and stimulates the release of NOS to support cerebral blood flow. It has been shown to provide key antioxidant support for the eyes. Carotenoids: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Lycopene Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments whose role in eye health is well-established from epidemiological, clinical, and interventional studies. Epidemiologic research shows a connection between high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in eye tissues and enhanced eye function and visual acuity. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation have been shown to protect the lens protein, lipid, and DNA from oxidative damage and improve intracellular redox status when under oxidative stress. Increased dietary intake of carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, protects the eye from oxidative stress. A 12-month intervention including 145 patients divided into a placebo group and two groups given capsules of lutein, zeaxanthin, DHA, and EPA each day found that the supplements significantly improved plasma antioxidant capacity, circulating macular xanthophyll levels, and the optical density of the macular pigment. Zinc A vital coenzyme for eye tissue, zinc is a necessary component in antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Studies on monkeys with oxidative-stressed retinas showed a 60% reduction in the activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as a four-fold reduction in zinc concentration compared with controls. The enzymes responsible for digesting rod outer segments and preventing the build-up of lipofuscin, a lipid-containing residue caused by normal “wear and tear” that can impair vision, are significantly less active in older individuals. These important enzymes can be stimulated by adding zinc. Bilberry Bilberry extract contains a high amount of antioxidants known as anthocyanidins, similar to those found in grape seeds. Bilberry has a long history of use in eye health. Its activities include inhibition of aldose reductase and improving capillary permeability. Bilberry has been shown to protect against an oxidative stress-induced immune response in the mouse uvea and to support night vision. The extract has also been found to support renewal and homeostasis of corneal cells. Quercetin A flavonoid found in a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruits, quercetin provides key antioxidant support for the eyes. Taurine Taurine concentration is high in the retina and is required for retinal tissue growth. It has been shown to protect rod outer segments from oxidative damage and to protect lens tissue from radiation. Researchers have suggested possible functions for taurine in the retina include protection of the photoreceptor, regulation of Ca2+ transport, and regulation of signal transduction.
