Bringing into focus: Japan’s natural tech releases new eye supplement amid ‘skyrocketing demand’
Established in 2018, natural tech’s brands are categorised into three main areas, namely beauty, maternity, and lifestyle.
The firm recently launched a new product called Eyepa, which claims to be an “all-in-one” supplement targeting multiple eye problems, including dry eye, eye strain, and accommodation (adjustment of the eye to keep an object in focus) issues.
“Our company has been developing various life care products for some time, focusing on folic acid supplements for those trying to conceive or are pregnant. Since we launched Rimenba, a mental health supplement, as the lifestyle division’s first product in 2020, we have received a lot of feedback from customers.
“One thing that stood out was of eye-related concerns. We received many comments on blurry vision due to ageing and how people’s eyes get dry easily. As we sought to help solve these problems, our customers had high expectations for the product that we would develop. Following repeated prototype production with R&D institutions, we were able to create Eyepa,” said the firm’s development manager.
Major changes in lifestyle, such as increase in telework, have also escalated the burden on the eyes. At the same time, rising consumer awareness of eye care and healthy eye function has led to “skyrocketing demand” for eye supplements.
Eyepa contains more than 10 types of ingredients, including bilberry, lutein, Megusurino tree extract, zinc, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, pentadecyl, raspberry, vitamins A, C, and E.
Based on the company’s in-house research, the bilberry and lutein content in Eyepa is highest in the market.
“The supplement is made with a triple-care formula. For instance, bilberry helps moisturise the eyes, pentadecyl and lutein have antioxidant and soothing effects, while vitamins A, C, E and zinc protect the eyes and alleviate eye fatigue.”
The product was made under the supervision of Professor Hiromi Fukunaga, Director of Kannai Ekimae Eye Clinic.
“The eyes are such an important sensory organ. More than 80% of information sent to the brain reportedly enters through the eyes. Eye strain results from continued strain on the eyes or a decline in accommodation function, but for many, it is caused by dry eyes.
“There are myriad environments where dry eyes can occur — for example, computer work combined with air conditioning. It is also believed that inadequate nutrition plays a major role. Therefore, it is vital to consume the necessary nutrients in a well-balanced manner in daily life,” Prof Fukunaga shared.
Addressing the ageing population
Eyepa debuted on natural tech’s official online store on April 1, alongside a special promotional campaign where the new product is sold as a set with Rimemba.
Since its release in April 2020, the cumulative number of Rimemba shipments has exceeded 360,000.
In order to reach a wider audience, the firm has expanded the offline sales channels of Rimemba to dispensing pharmacies from July 2023.
Currently, the product is available at nine dispensing pharmacies in Hokkaido, Aomori, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Kyoto.
Rimemba claims to be a supplement that helps prevent “forgetfulness” both from an early stage and after menopause.
Its formula consists of over 20 types of nutrients, including DHA and EPA, plasmalogen, ginkgo biloba, nobiletin, and vitamins B and E, which are known for maintaining and improving cognitive function.
“In particular, it boasts one of the highest concentrations of plasmalogen, DHA and EPA in the industry, allowing the user to target the root cause of forgetfulness with just three tablets a day.
“According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average age of onset of early-onset dementia is 51. In recent years, forgetfulness has become a familiar problem for many middle-aged and older people, with reports of this tendency being increasingly seen in those under the age of 50. Rimenba was born out of the desire to help as many people as possible to live healthy lives, as the population continues to age.”
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