Why use private label AREDS 2? Buy Macula 2 Essentials Vitamin for: 1] Typical savings over branded eye vitamins is ~$100** annually 2] High quality 3] Canadian made Summary: Vision Essence Early Defence Macular Support is a nutritional supplement designed to help support macular pigment density and long-term retinal health, particularly for individuals at risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Each daily serving provides the three key macular carotenoids: 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin, 10 mg lutein, and 2 mg zeaxanthin, nutrients associated with protecting retinal cells from oxidative stress and high-energy blue light exposure. These carotenoids help build macular pigment, which acts as a natural protective filter for the retina and may improve visual comfort and glare tolerance. Unlike AREDS-style formulations, Early Defence does not contain zinc and focuses specifically on targeted carotenoid-based macular pigment support. The formula is vegan and independently tested for purity and label accuracy. Description: If your eye care professional has recommended that you take an approved AREDS 2 macula vitamin for macular degeneration (e.g. Preservision, Ocuvite, ICAPS, Vitalux) look closely at the label. Most of these brands require 2-4 tablets per day. I have found clinically that adherence to the recommended dose is mediocre at best often due to cost. We have mostly switched our mild-to-moderate AMD patients to this effective, two-a-day, less expensive private label. Buy Macula 2 Essentials instead. This Canadian-made formulation of the AREDS 2 eye vitamin only requires two softgel per day. When you take into account the #/day of tablets and compare the pricing to the large brands, Macula 2 Essentials AREDS2 Plus is a great choice! To ZINC or not to ZINC.... That is the question There is ongoing debate about whether the very high levels of zinc in the original AREDS studies are beneficial to all. Our practice position is to recommend the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for zinc. The essentials formulation has 10mg of zinc (which is RDA). For no zinc ocular vitamins see Vision Essence. APPROVED BY HEALTH CANADA AS A DAILY MULTI-VITAMIN. PRESERVATIVE AND GLUTEN-FREE. If you take Vitalux, Icaps, Ocuvite, Preservision - Consider this excellent less expensive, made-in-Canada alternative. Manufactured in Richmond, British Columbia. 180 Softgels per bottle (3 month supply) ** Brand name, twice per day ocular vitamin ~$22.50/month X 12 months = $270 per year vs. Macula 2 private label @ $170 per year Resources and References: Macular Degeneration information + AREDS Study Information Additional Information and Posts on Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) NIH > Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS/AREDS 2) Get the facts about the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies! Learn about recommended supplements for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and more.
