Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where the light entering the eye, when the eye is relaxed, is focused in front of the retina's macula. It is typically caused by an elongated eyeball, excessive curvature of the cornea, and/or increased lens power. Myopia has become a significant public health concern, with nearly 2 billion affected individuals worldwide in 2010, accounting for 28.3% of the global population. It is projected that by 2050, there will be approximately 4.758 billion myopia cases globally, reaching 49.8%.
Currently, the main measures to control the onset and progression of myopia include increasing outdoor activities, using atropine eye drops, and wearing corneal reshaping contact lenses. However, these approaches have their limitations. The competitive education system restricts outdoor activity time, atropine eye drops have potential side effects of chronic pupil dilation, and corneal reshaping contact lenses carry the risk of infectious keratitis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore more effective methods for preventing and controlling myopia.
1. Crocetin
Crocetin, also known as saffron extract or crocin, is a water-soluble carotenoid that is primarily found in plants such as saffron, gardenia, and carthamus tinctorius. Animal and human studies have revealed that crocetin and its metabolite crocetinic acid have various pharmacological effects on the eyes, including increasing blood flow, inhibiting pathological neovascularization, and preventing degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells.
Furthermore, as the refractive power and axial length of the eye increase in myopia patients, the choroid gradually becomes thinner. However, crocetin can increase blood flow in the choroid, leading to an increase in choroidal thickness and subsequently inhibiting the progression of myopia. Additionally, evidence suggests that dietary intake of crocetin can induce the production of early growth response protein-1 (EGR-1) in the body. EGR-1 is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of myopia inhibition by suppressing eye growth.
Therefore, crocetin has shown promise as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and controlling myopia.
2. Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid compound that are widely present in dark-colored plants such as bilberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, and elderberry. In recent years, several studies have suggested that anthocyanins have a certain inhibitory effect on the occurrence and progression of myopia. Intervention studies conducted on myopic models of guinea pigs have shown that oral administration of bilberry anthocyanins can inhibit the axial elongation associated with form-deprivation myopia in guinea pigs.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 21 myopic patients, it was found that oral consumption of juice containing 50 mg of blackcurrant anthocyanins could reduce the refractive power in individuals engaged in prolonged visual work. One of the causes of myopia in children is the spasm of the ciliary muscle during prolonged near-work, which leads to blurred vision when looking at distant objects. However, in a study elucidating the potential molecular mechanisms of anthocyanins, it was observed that anthocyanins have a relaxing effect on the ciliary muscle, resulting in the thinning of the crystalline lens and inhibition of myopia.
Therefore, anthocyanins have been shown to potentially play a role in preventing and controlling myopia by their effects on axial elongation and ciliary muscle relaxation.
3. Lutein
Lutein is a type of carotenoid that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from the diet. Common dietary sources of lutein include green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, peas, and egg yolks. Lutein is not evenly distributed in different tissues of the human body, with the highest concentration found in the macular region of the retina, particularly in the fovea, which is the most sensitive area for human vision. In recent years, numerous studies both domestically and abroad have suggested that dietary supplementation of lutein can increase the concentration of macular pigments in the retina, improve visual function, alleviate visual impairment, and promote repair of damaged retinal tissue.
In contemporary society, individuals often face imbalanced diets that may lead to nutritional deficiencies. One such deficiency is the inadequate intake of lutein, a vital nutrient for eye health. To combat this issue, HSF Biotech has emerged as a leading producer of lutein, offering a diverse range of specifications to various brands.
Recognizing the importance of lutein in maintaining eye health, HSF Biotech has taken the initiative to produce lutein as a raw material for various brands. Their commitment to quality and innovation enables them to offer a wide range of lutein specifications, catering to the specific requirements of different companies. By doing so, HSF Biotech empowers these brands to address the inadequacy of lutein in people's diets and promote better eye health.
4. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3PUFAs) include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). They are essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in large quantities by the human body and must be obtained from food. Major food sources of ω-3PUFAs include vegetable oils (such as soybean oil and rapeseed oil), fresh deep-sea fish, and fish oil. ω-3PUFAs are important components of the retina and play a crucial role in eye health. Among them, DHA constitutes approximately 50% to 60% of the total fatty acids in the outer segment disk membranes of retinal photoreceptor cells. A deficiency of DHA in the retina can disrupt retinal fluidity and function, and may slow down the renewal of outer segment membranes.
HSF Biotech is a leading company in the production of fermented Schizochytrium DHA, a high-quality source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). With its state-of-the-art facilities and advanced fermentation technology, HSF Biotech ensures the production of premium DHA supplements that can be used by various brands.
One of the key advantages of HSF Biotech's fermented Schizochytrium DHA is its comprehensive range of specifications. The company offers a variety of options to cater to different needs, ensuring that customers can find the DHA supplement that suits them best. Whether it's capsules, softgels, liquids, or powders, HSF Biotech has it all.
DHA is known for its significant role in visual development, particularly in children. It plays a crucial part in the growth and functioning of the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision. By incorporating HSF Biotech's fermented Schizochytrium DHA into their diet, children can benefit from improved visual development.
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HSF Biotech emphasizes sustainability in their production methods. By utilizing fermentation technology, they minimize the impact on marine resources while still providing a reliable source of DHA. This eco-friendly approach aligns with the growing global concern for environmental conservation. HSF Biotech is a reputable producer of fermented Schizochytrium DHA, offering a wide range of specifications for various brands. Their DHA supplements contribute to the improvement of children's visual development. With a focus on quality, safety, and sustainability, HSF Biotech stands at the forefront of providing premium DHA supplements to support overall health and well-being.