Evidence supporting the use of: Algae (unspecified)
For the body system: Eyes

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Algae, particularly microalgae such as Chlorella, Spirulina, and marine algae like Dunaliella salina, are sources of nutrients that support eye health. The primary scientific rationale for their use relates to their high content of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are well-established for their protective role in ocular tissues; lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macula and help filter blue light, reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Several studies have demonstrated that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin can improve macular pigment density and visual function. Algae, especially Dunaliella salina, are among the richest natural sources of beta-carotene, while some green algae provide lutein and zeaxanthin. However, the evidence supporting algae as a direct intervention for eye health is mostly extrapolated from the known benefits of these carotenoids, rather than from large, direct clinical trials using whole algae supplements. Despite this, the bioavailability of these nutrients from algal sources is good, and algal-derived carotenoids are widely used in nutritional supplements targeting eye health.

In summary, while the traditional use is less prominent, scientific evidence for the eye-supporting properties of specific carotenoids found in algae is strong. However, the direct evidence for whole algae supplementation is moderate, resulting in a mid-level rating.

More about Algae (unspecified)
More about Eyes

Other ingredients that support Eyes

Acetyl L-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanins
apricot
astaxanthin
berry flavor
beta-carotene
bilberry
black currant
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
carrot
citicoline
cryptoxanthin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
flavonols
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gooseberry
hyaluronic acid
hypromellose
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
lutein
mackerel
mannitol
marine lipid
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
pine bark
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rutin
saffron
sardines
shrimp
spinach
tomato
triphala
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
mulberry
zeaxanthin
zinc
chickweed
morus
chrysanthemum
haliotis
polyphenols
trace minerals
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
Algae
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Aronia melanocarpa
Alchornea
Avocado
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
beta-zeacarotene
Beef liver
Blakeslea trispora
berry
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Barbary matrimony vine
Crocin
Carnosine
Cod Liver Oil
Cyanidin
Cornflower
Cantaloupe
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cornus
Carotene (unspecified)
Crocetin
Cocklebur
Crypthecodinium
Celosia
Capsanthin
Currant
Dunaliella salina
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Egg
Ergothioneine
Eyebright
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Fruit
Flavonoids
Fat liver oil
Fish
Fatty acids
Fagopyrum
Flavoglycosides
fibroblast growth factor
Gac
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Glutathione
Gamma-carotene
Haematococcus pluvialis
Huckleberry
Idebenone
Lycium
Ligustrum
Lipids
Mineral ascorbate
Marine fat
Marigold
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Phaffia rhodozyma
Procyanidol
Proanthocyanidins
Polyunsaturated Fat
Pycnogenol
Polygonum
Rue
Rose
Schizochytrium Oil
Spanish Needle
Schizochytrium
Squid
Salmon Oil
Squash
Tea
Troxerutin
Taurine
Tagetes
Xanthophyll

Products containing Algae (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.