Vision Essentials®

Black currant, lutein, and zeaxanthin are the keys to total eye health and clear vision!

Dr. Whitaker’s Vision Essentials® formula supports every part of the eye and is based on today’s most cutting-edge nutritional science so you can protect your eyes from age-related vision issues. No other vision supplement provides the 17 best vitamins for eyes combined into one powerful formula. One of the key ingredients in this formula is black currant which studies show can significantly improve your night vision and reduce eye fatigue 30 minutes after ingestion.Vision Essentials has already helped tens of thousands of people protect their vision and continue to enjoy active, independent lives.

Here's why Vision Essentials can help lead to healthy eyes and sharp vision:

• Provides the 17 best vitamins for eyes and healthy vision. Delivers unparalleled antioxidant protection from carotenoids including zeaxanthin—important for overall vision, especially critical for seeing color and detail.


• Promotes sharper night vision with peak doses of black currant, which also promotes the antioxidant defense mechanisms in your retinal epithelial cells, and supports blood vessels, which is critical to your eye health and night vision. Black currant, a natural cousin to blueberries and cranberries, has been shown in clinical studies to produce measurable improvements in night vision. Black currant contains anthocyanosides and other flavonoids, which also help improve circulation to and within the eyes. A balanced diet that includes supplementation with black currant, lutein, and zeaxanthin may improve night vision as well as put an end to dry, tired eyes and reduce the effects of glare. Studies show that within 30 minutes, black currant can significantly improve your night vision.¹ In another study, participants were given a drink containing 40 mg of black currant anthocyanosides. As in the first study, participants could see significantly better in the dark—once again within just 30 minutes.²


• Includes the research dosage of lutein shown to promote the health of your retina, macula, lenses, and optic nerves, as well as support visual acuity. A recent study examined subjects’ tolerance to glare. The study showed that participants who took 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin daily for four months (which you get in Vision Essentials) had a significant improvement in their glare tolerance. After six months, their recovery time for seeing clearly again after being “blinded” by bright light significantly decreased.³ Plus, there’s a new study, hot off the presses that reveals taking lutein, zeaxanthin, and black currant together—in the doses included in Vision Essentials—may reduce visual fatigue. Vision Essentials provides 15 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin —the optimal doses based on the latest research. This is important, especially when it comes to lutein. A new study published in Clinical Nutrition showed that the proper dose of lutein is critical for supporting optimal eye health. In fact, inadequate levels may prevent you from experiencing any benefits at all.


• Includes the powerhouses alpha lipoic acid, taurine, N-acetyl cysteine, L-glycine, and vitamin C to shield delicate eye cells from the damaging oxidative stress caused by UV light.


• Nourishes eyes with zinc, a mineral which is highly concentrated in your retinas which helps them function properly.


• Delivers optimal levels of vitamin A in beta-carotene form, which synthesizes a chemical needed for clear eyesight. Dr. Whitaker made this change based on the AREDS study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, pure beta-carotene, when combined with other eye-supporting nutrients, is what your eyes require for healthy vision.⁴


• Unparalleled antioxidant protection from carotenoids including zeaxanthin— important for overall vision, especially critical for seeing color and detail and enhancing the eyes' ability to keep things in focus.


• Contains research doses of ingredients used in the six year, AREDS Study, in which researchers found that supplementation with lutein, beta carotene, vitamins E and C, zinc and copper helped to maintain macular health and vision.
  
• Recycles antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, via Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), restoring them to their active forms after they have become oxidized.


• Relieves dry, tired eyes with all-natural schisandra berry.


• Plus, Vision Essentials includes additional nutrients that work together to provide extra vision support and protection like no other formula that exists today.

Customer Testimonial:

Before I started taking Vision Essentials, when driving, I could not see the road signs, until I got almost on them, now I can see them way before I get to them, also my eyes would cloud up. This doesn't happen anymore. One more thing, which surprised me, I always had to wear my glasses to read the small scrolling print at the bottom of the TV news, now I read it without my glasses. I also took the product to my eye doctor to check every thing in it. He whole hardily approved, especially the zinc. My eye test comes next month, am anxious to see how much it has improved. Thanks you so much for letting me tell you this. I do tell other friends about this.

Marium, Indiana

All Vitamins for Eyes Are Not Created Equally

Be sure that the formula you choose has key ingredients like lutein, black currant, zeaxanthin, and that they’re present in the right amounts. Only then can you be assured you’re getting the nutritional support for visual acuity, sharpness, and improved night vision.

¹ Nakaishi H, et al. Effects of black currant anthocyanoside intakes on dark adaptation and VDT work induced transient refractive alteration in healthy humans. Alt Med Rev 2000;5(6):1–10. ² Tominagal, S, et al. Effects of black currant anthocyanosides on visual function. BioScience Laboratories, Saitama, Japan. ³ Stringham JM, and Hammond R. Macular pigment and visual performance under glare conditions. Optom and Vis Sci, 2008:85(2):82–88. ⁴ ARED Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation of vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for macula health: AREDS Report no. 8. Arch Ophthalmol 2001;119:1417–1436.

What are the ingredient standardizations?
Black Currant Extract: 35% anthocyanosides
Ginkgo Extract: 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides

Is the formula kosher?
No

Is the formula suitable for vegetarian?
No, this product contains gelatin which comes from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) sources. Our capsules are all pharmaceutical grade, and are made from the same gelatin that is used by leading pharmaceutical companies.

Is the formula sodium free?
Yes, the formula is sodium free.

What are the “other ingredients” used in this product?
We fully disclose all the ingredients used in the manufacturing of our products, including the excipients, fillers and machinery lubricants. These are listed as “other ingredients” on the label:

Gelatin (capsule), microcrystalline cellulose (filler), magnesium state (machinery lubricant/vegetable grade), silicon dioxide (flow agent).

Which of the ingredients are natural and which are synthetic?
All ingredients are naturally sourced. We also use no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Can I take this product with Dr. Whitaker’s other recommended   nutritional supplements?
Yes. Vision Essentials should be taken with a high-quality multi-nutrient such as the Forward Plus Daily Regimen.

How should I store the product?
To preserve the quality and freshness, keep the bottle tightly closed and store it in a cool, dry place (59°-86°F). Do not refrigerate.

Supplements should not be stored in the kitchen or bathroom as the higher levels of heat and moisture can lower its potency and stability over time.

Are my supplements still safe and/or effective if the package was left outside in the heat or cold for a couple of days?
Yes, there is no concern for safety or potency of your supplements if they were mistakenly left outside in the heat or cold for a short period of time (2-3 days), or for an extended period during shipping. It takes months of improper storage to negatively affect the quality of the product.

Is this product tested for lead, mercury, and other heavy metals?
Every batch of Dr. Whitaker’s products is tested for lead and heavy metals. Each is delivered to Healthy Directions with a Certificate of Analysis from the manufacturer stating that the products are free from heavy metals or within the limits set by California’s Proposition 65; the most stringent in the country.

Does this product undergo independent laboratory testing?
Each month, Healthy Directions selects several of its products and sends them to independent laboratories to make sure that they meet safe levels for heavy metals as well as label claim. Each product is guaranteed to be tested at least once per year.