Lutein, a nutrient found in dark, green, leafy vegetables, increases skin hydration and elasticity and protects against skin inflammation and eye diseases. Lutein is present in tissues in the eyes, skin, cervix, brain, breast and blood serum, but is not produced by the body and must be consumed in food or supplements.
“You probably eat foods containing lutein, like spinach, collard greens, kale, broccoli, corn and eggs, but you would need to consume a fair amount of them daily to reap lutein's full benefits,” says Todd Whitthorne, president and CEO of Cooper Concepts in Dallas. Daily intake of lutein is low in industrialized countries and has been found to be even smaller among U.S. than EU residents.
Developed by the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, the Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health supplement contains lutein and other key nutrients that promote healthy skin, hair and nails. The product was formulated by board-certified dermatologists and includes ingredients that have proven beneficial in scientific studies.
Another supplement, Cooper Complete Eye Health, is formulated to provide nutrients that are clinically proven to help eyes.
According to a study published in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” in 2007, FloraGLO® Lutein, made from marigold flowers, promotes long-term, skin health by increasing elasticity and lipid content, and by decreasing lipid oxidation--which can cause skin degradation. Skin's lipid content is comprised of oily components that create a healthy look. Lutein shields skin from exposure to ultraviolet light and protects against sun by bolstering the skin's antioxidant, defense system. FloraGLO® is the form of lutein contained in Cooper Complete products.
“Lutein has been shown to lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is the main cause of blindness in Americans ages 65 and older,” Whitthorne says. The macula is a yellow spot near the center of the retina of the eye, and it absorbs excess blue and ultraviolet light, acting as a natural pair of sunglasses. The macula's yellow color comes from its lutein and zeaxanthin content.
A study published in the “Archives of Ophthalmology” in 2007 included 4,500 participants between 60 and 80 years old, and found that lutein strengthens eye-cell membranes and prevents free radicals from harming eye cells. Lutein is an antioxidant that may protect the macula tissue by quenching free radicals. Lutein also filters high-energy, blue light that can damage the macula and skin.
“Our eyes are very active metabolically, and proper nutrition, including antioxidants, are vital to vision,” Whitthorne says. “Cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and dry eyes can trouble aging Americans.” Increased intake of lutein helps lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Research has shown that lutein has anti-inflammation effects. In a study published in 2007, State University of New Jersey researchers found that lutein helps lower potentially dangerous, skin inflammation.
In addition to lutein, Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health includes Vitamin A and is full of antioxidants like Vitamins C and E. Also included is polypodium leucotomasa, a fern-based antioxidant that reduces the risk of skin cancers. Experts at Cooper Concepts say the Dermatologic Health supplement should be taken in conjunction with a daily multivitamin, and should not be considered a substitute for sunscreen. Dermatologic Health is suggested for adults, with intake of three capsules per day taken with meals. One bottle contains a 30-day supply of 90 capsules.
Cooper Complete Eye Health has been formulated to provide key nutrients that have been clinically shown to help eyes. It is recommended for adults, with two tablets advised per day with meals. One bottle contains a two-month supply of 120 tablets, to be taken along with daily multivitamins.
For more information online, see http://www.coopercomplete.com/store. To order Cooper Complete Dermatologic Health or Eye Health by phone, call Cooper Complete at 877-2-HEALTH or 888-393-2221. Customers in Dallas can call 972-560-2702.
Media Advisory:
For more information on Cooper Complete vitamins, or to arrange an interview with Todd Whitthorne, president and CEO of Cooper Concepts, contact Jo Trizila at 972-247-1369 or jo@trizcom.com.
About:
Cooper Concepts, Inc. oversees Cooper Complete nutritional supplements from creation to distribution. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, has long believed in supplementation, and introduced his own line of multivitamins and supplements to consumers in 1998. Today, Cooper Complete is sold in retail stores across the nation and also online.
