West Chicago, IL - This morning a study by the Lewin Group was released which determined that by taking certain dietary supplements (specifically, lutein with zeaxanthin, and omega 3 fatty acids), senior citizens can lead healthier, more productive and more independent lives. This results in more than $5 billion in savings to the Medicare system over five years in reduced hospitalizations and physician services. 

The study stated that visual impairment is one of the top four reasons people loose their independence as they age. It is both common, with 35 percent of individuals aged 75 and older having Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and costly. The study uses as an example the fact that eighteen percent of all hip fractures among seniors are attributed to age-related vision loss.  The decreased independence resulting from loss of vision places a significant financial burden on the person, their family and the entire health care system.

The Lewin Group estimates a $2.5 billion net savings over five years (2006-2010) from a reduction in the relative risk of AMD through daily intake of 6-10 milligrams of lutein with zeaxanthin. In those five years, approximately 98,219 people could avoid the transition to dependence either in the community or a nursing facility that would accompany a vision loss resulting from advanced AMD through lutein with zeaxanthin supplementation.

Lutein has become increasingly popular, and is now included in many multivitamins. Omega 3s, likewise, are gaining in popularity as people add more fish to their diets or supplement with Omega 3 capsules. Zeaxanthin, however, is only beginning to be recognized as an important ingredient by the general population.

Zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan’-thin) is a dietary carotenoid found mostly in the macula, the central part of the retina in the eye that is responsible for most fine vision.  Zeaxanthin, like lutein, is thought to be a critical nutrient for eye health and can help guard against age-related vision loss. Zeaxanthin and lutein molecules always exist in tandem, but the ratios are what differ.

Chrysantis™, Inc., the maker of the only natural zeaxanthin on the market, is working to build awareness about the importance of zeaxanthin in eye health, which has the potential to positively impact millions of people that either have or are at risk of having AMD.

According to Chrysantis General Manager Manuel Pavon, “Macular degeneration is one of the age-related conditions which people are learning to guard against through supplements.  The Lewin study correctly points out that when it comes to the prevention of AMD one should look for products containing both zeaxanthin and lutein. Many zeaxanthin and lutein products have been launched this year, making possible for people to have the best possible protection.” 

He goes on to say, “Recent research indicates that zeaxanthin supplementation is particularly important for women; this is being recognized by the NEI which is sponsoring a study called: Carotenoids and Age-Related Eye Disease in Women's Health Study.”  

Zeaxanthin, like lutein, is made from Marigold flowers. A typical Marigold flower carotenoid profile is 80 percent lutein and 5 percent zeaxanthin. Chrysantis has a wide range of proprietary zeaxanthin-lutein Marigolds with profiles that range from 75 percent zeaxanthin and 5 percent lutein to 50 percent zeaxanthin and 50 percent lutein. Chrysantis sells its branded extracts under the name EZ Eyes™.

Chrysantis, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ball Horticultural Company based in West Chicago, IL, is dedicated to developing high-quality plant-based products for dietary supplement manufacturers and the functional foods industry that will enhance human health. Family-owned Ball Horticultural Company has been researching, breeding and selling the highest-quality flower seed varieties for 100 years. The company’s understanding of the compounds that are responsible for flower color (carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids) led to the creation of Chrysantis, which aims to bring those products to market.

For more information, call 630 588-3474 or visit www.Chrysantis.com.

For more information:

Suzanne Shelton 847-676-4337                                                 

Suzanne@SheltonGroupPR.com