WATCH: Astaxanthin identified as a ‘game-changer’ for eye health supplements by Brand's Suntory

Dietary supplement companies are finding new ways to boost the efficacy of their eye health products, with astaxanthin cited as one of the hottest ingredients.

Most familiar with the market will know that lutein, zeaxanthin, and berries are commonly used ingredients for improving or maintaining eye health.

In this episode of Nutrition Asia video series, we spoke to Lifestream Group and Brand’s Suntory. Both have added astaxanthin in their products, with Brand’s Suntory even describing it as a “game-changer”.

“One of the more novel ingredients to look out for would be astaxanthin, which we believe will be a game-changer in this eye care segment…It has been known to be one of nature’s strongest antioxidants.” said Brand’s Suntory’s VP and head of marketing, Jose Roman Miranda.

“Although it does not exist in retina tissues, astaxanthin can cross the blood retina barrier and protect the cells from high oxidative stress naturally present in our eyes,” he explained.

The types of delivery system used also matters, according to senior scientific officer Dr Crystal Goh from Lifestream Group.

In its most recent launch, the company has used the liposomal encapsulation technology to increase the bioavailability of lutein.   

This is because the structure of liposome is a phospholipid bilayer, which is the same as our cell membrane. We encapsulate the lutein inside the liposomes so that the liposomes and the lutein complex can be transported and passed through the intestinal wall, go into the bloodstream and be transported into our eyes,” Dr Goh said.

Watch the video to find out more.