Blue light, and the serious harm it can do to eye health, is the subject of the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations’ latest Mind the Gap web resource. The Dark Side of Blue Light explores how our exposure to blue light has surged as a result of increased use of smartphones, computer monitors, and LED lighting. For example, it’s estimated that we spend an average of three hours and 15 minutes per day looking at our phones, which amounts to nearly 50 days each year. People in certain regions are becoming exposed to inordinate amounts of blue light through their smart phones at increasingly early ages, as well.
 
Blue light is more energy-intense than other types of light, which means it can penetrate deep into the eye and cause irreversible degenerative conditions that may result in blurred vision over time.
 
Until now, the irreversible degeneration of macular health had been most likely to start after the age of 50. Worryingly, however, evidence is emerging that growing numbers of people are being impacted in their 40s. There is concern that greater exposure to blue light from smart devices and energy-efficient lighting may be the factor involved in this.
 
IADSA’s new resource explains that a daily intake of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin can help to maintain macular health. However, these levels can be difficult to obtain from the diet. Food supplements offer an alternative source, with most of the lutein and zeaxanthin used in supplements derived from yellow marigold flowers, which are rich in both of these antioxidants.
 
The Dark Side of Blue Light was developed by IADSA in association with the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). “Smart phones, computers, and energy efficient LED lighting have enriched our lives and delivered many benefits to society,” CRN President and CEO Steve Mister said. “The flipside is a detrimental impact on eye health. With studies showing that 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin can help to maintain eye health, including these antioxidants in the diet is a sensible step to take.”
 
“Exposure to blue light has increased for people of all ages, which means eye health is no longer a priority only for the elderly,” Cynthia Rousselot, director of technical and regulatory affairs at IADSA, said. “Our new Mind the Gap story brings this issue to life in an engaging and impactful way.”
 
Mind the Gap is an ongoing information resource created by IADSA, which facilitates the sharing of positive stories about the benefits that nutrition offers to consumers all over the world. It also seeks to fill gaps in our scientific knowledge while promoting real life examples of successful national nutrition programs.
 
Based in London, IADSA is the international association of the food supplement sector, with members from six continents. IADSA is the global platform to guide the evolution of policy and regulation in the sector.