Kemin, Des Moines, IA, manufacturer of FloraGLO brand lutein, has sponsored the Ocular Nutrition Society (ONS) with the aim of increasing awareness for essential eye nutrients and true scientific investigation.The sponsorship coincides with the launch of Kemin’s new “Don’t Lose SIGHT of the Science” campaign, which emphasizes the large body of established science behind FloraGLO Lutein.
 
“Kemin and the ONS have both been long time pioneers of ocular nutrition,” said Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, president of ONS. “The partnership comes at an ideal time, following the release of the National Eye Institutes’ (NEI) second Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS2), which reaffirms the importance of lutein supplementation as a link between nutrition and eye health.”
 
Trusted by leading eye vitamin manufacturers worldwide for its quality, established safety profile and documented absorption, FloraGLO was the brand of choice used by the NEI for AREDS2. The five-year landmark study reinforces the effectiveness of lutein and zeaxanthin in reducing the progression of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AAMD).
 
“Studies have shown that not all sources of lutein are equivalent, and often, other lutein brands rely on ‘borrowed’ science to substantiate their claims,” said Heather Richardson, Kemin global product manager of FloraGLO Lutein. “This is why it is more important than ever to not lose sight of the science. The strong body of clinical research behind FloraGLO Lutein ensures our eye vitamin manufacturers, and ultimately consumers, of a high quality, efficacious product.”
 
As part of its sponsorship and new campaign, Kemin will team up with the ONS and Jeffry Gerson, O.D., F.A.A.O., on June 4^th to offer a webinar on how AREDS2 results fit into primary eyecare. Dr. Gerson will not only discuss AREDS2 implications for patients with AAMD, but also discuss proactive approaches in maintaining healthy eyes and protecting vision with non-AAMD patients.