The ingredients in children's eye supplements: what they actually do.

Most parents read the label. Here is what the experts at Bio Island want you to know.

Let's deep dive on ingredients

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Lutein. Zeaxanthin. Bilberry. Linseed oil. If you have ever picked up a children’s eye health supplement and turned it over, you have probably seen these words. You have probably put it back on the shelf without being any clearer on whether it is actually doing anything useful.

We checked in with the team at Bio Island to understand what each ingredient actually is, what it does and why it matters for a child’s developing eyes.

Lutein

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Think of lutein as a pair of internal sunglasses. It is a carotenoid, which means it belongs to the same family of natural pigments that give fruits and vegetables their colour. Lutein concentrates in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision, where it absorbs high-energy blue light and protects the delicate cells of the eye from damage.

For children, who spend increasing amounts of time in front of screens that emit blue light, this protective function is particularly relevant.

We checked in with Tori Jackson, Bio Island’s Product Educator and Nutritionist (BHSc, Clinical Nutrition) for more on this.

“Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid and antioxidant that is primarily found in leafy green veggies such as kale, spinach and lettuce, as well as broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, zucchini, pumpkin and carrots,” she told us. “I would always encourage a varied diet with colourful fruit and veggies to ensure kids are getting enough dietary lutein to support eye health, but supplementation may be most beneficial in fussy eaters. Bio Island VitaEyes is suitable for children three years and up and is a convenient way to provide a therapeutic dose of lutein, as well as five other key nutrients specific for supporting healthy eyes in kids.”

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Zeaxanthin

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“Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid that, alongside lutein, is concentrated in the retina but also in neural tissue including regions of the brain involved in learning and memory,” Tori says. “There is some emerging research in children that has found an association between zeaxanthin status or supplementation and measures such as attention, memory and processing speed. This is an evolving but exciting area of research in cognitive function.”

Zeaxanthin works alongside lutein and is found in high concentrations in the retina. Like lutein, it acts as an antioxidant, filtering blue light and protecting against oxidative stress. It also supports visual processing and healthy brain cells and the connection between eye health and cognitive function is closer than most people realise.

Found naturally in leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as capsicum and citrus fruits. The research suggests that most children are not getting enough through diet alone.

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Bilberry

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Bilberry is a small dark berry, closely related to the blueberry, and it contains some of the most potent antioxidant compounds found in any food: the anthocyanins. These compounds have been linked to healthy cognitive function through their antioxidant properties and also play a role in blood flow to the brain and eyes, ensuring adequate oxygen and nutrient supply.

For the eyes specifically, bilberry has been used historically to support vision in low-light conditions and to maintain the health of the retinal blood vessels.

Says Tori: “Bilberries contain anthocyanins, a naturally occurring antioxidant compound which may help protect the retina from oxidative stress and improve blood flow to the tiny capillaries in the eye. Most studies in children look at bilberry use in high myopia (near-sightedness), where it may help slow progression of the condition.”

Vitamin A

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Vitamin A supports the eye’s ability to adapt to changes in light, moving from a bright room to a dim one, or seeing clearly at night. It also plays a role in maintaining the health of the cornea and reducing the occurrence of dry eyes.

Found naturally in orange and yellow vegetables and fruits. For children with limited diets, Vitamin A is one of the nutrients most commonly missing.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

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Vitamin B2 supports retinal function and structure, helps protect the eye from cataract formation and works as an antioxidant to protect against cell damage. It is found in dairy, eggs, lean meats and fortified cereals but is often overlooked in the conversation about eye health.

Linseed Oil

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Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids. In the context of eye health, its Omega-3 content may help support the structure and function of the retina, alleviate dry eyes and help maintain proper blood vessel function in the eyes.

A common question from parents: if their child is already taking fish oil, is there additional benefit in linseed oil too?

“Fish oil and linseed oil provide different forms of Omega-3s,” explains Tori. “Fish oil provides the long-chain Omega-3s EPA and DHA, while linseed oil is a plant-based source of ALA, which the body can convert to EPA and DHA, although this conversion is limited. ALA is one of the essential omega-3s that we need to be consuming in our diet that provides its own anti-inflammatory effects beyond acting as a precursor to EPA and DHA. If kids are not consuming many dietary sources of ALA such as walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds (linseeds) in their diet, then supplementing with linseed oil in addition to fish oil can support an overall balanced omega-3 intake.”

The bottom line

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Each of these ingredients has a role. Together, they build a more complete picture of what children’s eye health support actually looks like, not a single silver bullet, but a combination of nutrients working at different levels of the visual system.

VitaEyes for Children by Bio Island contains all of the above in each capsule. Available at Chemist Warehouse and pharmacy stockists nationally.

This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any supplements or if any concerns arise.

Presented by Bio Island. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.