Why Nutravision Uses the World's Most Expensive Spice - Saffron - for Eyes

Harnessing the historic power of saffron for eye health with advanced nutraceutical technology.

Saffron is a spice revered for centuries in Ayurvedic and Persian medicine for its remarkable range of eye and general health benefits.

Traditionally used as a powerful antioxidant, saffron has emerged in modern science as a leading natural ingredient for stress relief, cognition and heart health. Most notably, clinical research is now highlighting the significant benefits of saffron for eyes and vision.

Today, thanks to cutting-edge nutraceutical technology, we can harness the full potential of this ancient remedy. Enter affron® — a modern saffron supplement designed to deliver exceptional results.

In this article, we'll explore the health benefits of saffron, the innovation behind affron®, and why it stands out as the superior saffron extract on the market.

Saffron: General Health Benefits

Saffron’s amazing healing abilities come from a potent combination of carotenoids, including crocin and crocetin, and bioactive antioxidants known as lepticrosalides.

These particular bioactive compounds, only found in saffron, provide impressive general health benefits as well anti-inflammatory properties. Among the reported benefits include:

• Stress response: Saffron is a natural adaptogen that helps to calm the mind and reduce the impact of mental stress on the body and the heart.
• Cognitive health: There is now exciting research demonstrating the efficacy and safety of saffron and its constituents for cognitive function, mood, sleep and brain health.
• Cardiovascular health: Saffron has been shown to support healthy low‑density lipoprotein (LDL – “bad” cholesterol), help maintain a healthy lipid profile, and support healthy fasting glucose and HbA1c levels.Saffron has been shown to support a healthy lipid profile and metaboliic health.

Saffron: Eye Health Benefits

Saffron's eye health benefits are no less exceptional. Saffron is one of the rare botanicals that offers clinically proven support for the macula, retina and optic nerve. 

• Macular function: Research has shown that carotenoids in saffron, including crocin and safranal, can reduce oxidative stress at the retina and support macular health. An Australian clinical trial found that saffron helped support macular function in those with mild to moderate macular changes, including in participants already using AREDS supplements, when taken over 12 months.
• Retinal health: Saffron also helps support retina function and the integrity of blood vessels in the retina. A study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found crocin from saffron beneficial in supporting glucose metabolism, macular function and vision in those with diabetes.
• Optic nerve support: In people for whom eye pressure control is crucial for optic nerve health, saffron has been shown to significantly assist with eye pressure regulation. While not a replacement for pressure-lowering therapies, saffron offers an exciting, non-invasive option to help support eye pressure management.

The Evolution of Saffron Supplements

While saffron has long been recognised for its health-promoting properties, the challenge has been in maximising its efficacy and bioavailability.

The affron® saffron extract represents a leap forward in saffron supplement technology.

Many saffron extracts on the market lack the rigorous scientific backing needed to guarantee their effectiveness. Unlike generic saffron supplements, affron® is the first saffron extract on the market supported by pre-clinical and clinical studies that validate its benefits and superior bioavailability.

Why Is affron® the Best Saffron Supplement?

1. Pure and Potent

Developed with a patented low-temperature proprietary production process, affron® maintains the highest levels of purity and potency. This process (registered as AFF® ON Cool-Tech) preserves the integrity of the active compounds extracted from the saffron stigmas. This ensures that you receive a saffron extract of superior quality and potency with zero chemical use and less energy use. It is also why affron® is recognised as the reference standard for commercial saffron extracts.

2. Superior Bioavailability

One of the key factors that set affron® apart is its superior bioavailability.

Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which the active compounds in a supplement are absorbed and utilised by the body. affron®'s advanced production process ensures that its active compounds are highly bioavailable.

It demonstrates rapid absorption rate, with clinical effects observed in as little as one hour in some studies — meaning you get the meaningful benefit from each dose.

3. Scientifically Validated

affron® is among the first saffron extracts to be backed by peer-reviewed clinical trials. These studies provide strong evidence of affron®'s efficacy, confirming its benefits for stress response, mood, sleep and menopause at the clinical daily dose of 28 mg.

For Nutravision, we selected an optimal dose of 30 mg daily dose to align with this evidence while also matching the emerging research on saffron’s ocular benefits.

Summary

With its superior bioavailability and scientifically validated efficacy, affron® stands out as the superior choice for those seeking the full benefits of saffron. As a key ingredient in Nutravision, affron® exemplifies our commitment to quality and efficacy, ensuring your eyes and body receive the best natural care.

As a key ingredient in Nutravision, affron® exemplifies our commitment to quality, evidence and consistent outcomes — helping ensure your eyes and body receive best‑in‑class saffron support as part of the broader NP‑10 System™.

By focusing on this key nutrient inside a published, peer‑reviewed framework (NP‑10), Nutravision sets itself apart from other supplements, making it a powerful choice for those looking to support and maintain their eye‑nerve‑brain vision system over the long term.

affron® in Detail

FAQs About affron® and Saffron

Q: Why is saffron so expensive?

A: Saffron holds the title of the world's most expensive food item due to the meticulous and labour-intensive harvesting process, which is performed entirely by hand. It takes approximately 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce just one pound of saffron! Yet, its price is justified by its unmatched potency and wide-ranging health benefits.

At Nutravision, we use affron®, a highly peer-reviewed saffron extract, which costs 250 times more than standard saffron extracts, reflecting its superior quality and effectiveness.

Q: Where does saffron come from?

A: Saffron is sourced from various regions across Europe, including Spain, Italy, and France, as well as from India and the Middle East. The prized saffron extract, such as affron®, is derived from the harvested and dried stigmas of the crocus flower, a labour-intensive process that ensures its high quality.

Q: Does taking saffron extract have any side effects? 

A: Saffron extract is generally considered very safe when consumed within the recommended daily dosage. However, it's worth noting that saffron may lower blood pressure and glucose levels. Therefore, individuals with pre-existing conditions should consult with their health professional when supplementing with saffron.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always follow the advice of your eye care professional and use any supplements only as directed.