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Eyesight is not something I would have considered taking supplements for in the first place, as it is something most people tend to take for granted – at least until a certain age. It is an interesting thought to look at though, given I have been wearing glasses for nearly twenty years and my vision has not really improved since then!
The truth is, vision supplements really are something we should all consider, as they can have a significant impact on the quality of our sight over the years and can slow down the development of vision impairments with age.
Today, we will take a look at MacuShield Original, an interesting product which promises to protect our eyesight through the very centre of the retina, the macula. But does it really deliver? Let’s dive in.
The Ingredients
Lutein, 10mg
Lutein is a carotenoid vitamin related to beta-beta-carotene and vitamin A. Often dubbed as the eye vitamin, lutein is used to prevent a number of common eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration linked to age and retinitis pigmentosa. In some cases, lutein can also be used to prevent diabetes, heart diseases and some cancers. In food, lutein is present in leafy greens such as kale and spinach and fruit.
In the eye, lutein is naturally found in the retina and the macula and acts as a colour pigment. As such, it filters the light coming inside the eye, including blue light, and protects it from damage by avoiding oxidation. For optimal effects, it is generally recommended to take at least 6mg of lutein per day. The 10mg contained in MacuShield Original is therefore an effective amount.
Zeaxanthin, 2 mg
Zeaxanthin, just like lutein, is a type of carotenoid naturally found in the human eye. It has the power to absorb excess light coming into the eye, including damaging sun rays and blue light coming either from the sun or from the digital devices like computers and phones many of us are stuck to all day long. In addition, zeaxanthin has an antioxidant function and prevents free radicals from creating damage in the body and the eyes.
Several scientific studies have already proven the efficiency of using zeaxanthin to improve eyesight and general vision health. For example, a study published in the Optometry journal demonstrated that people taking 8 mg of zeaxanthin every day for a year improved their night driving faculties. They also noticed an improvement of 1.5 lines on an eye chart regarding visual acuity.
The 2 mg contained in MacuShield Original is a much weaker amount, but still remains effective when used in combination with the other ingredients present in the formula. It is generally the amount recommended by eye experts to be included in good vision supplements.
Marigold Extract, 156mg
Marigold, also known by the name calendula, is a flower with medicinal properties. Since the ancient times, tales have been told about how blindness was cured thanks to marigold petals. Today, we know that marigold can be effective in preventing eye disease and supporting a healthy vision thanks to the presence of lutein and zeaxanthin.
MachShield Original has used marigold to extract meso-zeaxanthin, a newly discovered carotenoid present in the macula. While scientists are still studying its exact production process, they are suggesting it is derived from lutein through an isomerisation process. Meso-zeaxanthin works the same way as lutein and zeaxanthin do, and protects the macula by blocking out harmful light rays and blue light. The amount of marigold extract contained in MacuShield Original equates to 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin.
The Pros
- MacuShield Original effectively protects the eye and helps preventing the development of eye disease linked to age, such as macular degeneration
- It is one of the most recommended vision supplement by eye experts in the UK
- MacuShield provides all three main carotenoids naturally found in the macula
- You only need to take one capsule a day
The Cons
- The amounts of zeaxanthin could be higher for an even more effective formula
- Unlike the Gold formula from MacuShield, MacuShield Original does not contain any additional vitamins or minerals
- It contains gelatine and is not suitable for vegetarians
Customer Reviews
The following reviews come from Amazon UK.
Health Warnings and Side Effects
There are no particular health warnings or side effects to be aware of when taking MacuShield Original. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should always refer to their GP before getting started on a new supplement.
MacuShield Original is also safe to take for smokers and ex-smokers as it does not contain beta carotene.
How To Take
Take one tablet every day with a meal. Please note that you should take MacuShield Original over an extended period of time in order for it to have any benefit for your vision health.
Does It Work?
Customers taking MacuShield Original seem to be generally happy about the results they are getting. As a consequence, the supplement scores an excellent rating of 4.5/5 stars on Amazon UK. Some happy users wearing glasses even report some slight improvement in their eyesight, while others have noticed a halt in the deterioration of their eyesight after they began taking MacuShield Original.
Conclusion
In our opinion, MacuShield Original is an excellent supplement to take if you are looking to protect your eyes and trying to reduce the damage caused by eye diseases such as macular degeneration. It provides all three essential carotenoids found in the macula and effectively protects the retina from harmful light rays day after day. Ingredients are high quality and cause virtually no side effects. All in all, that is a big thumbs up from us.
Where to Buy
You can buy MacuShield Original from Amazon UK, where it is a number one bestseller, or from MacuShield direct.
