One potential awareness gap among Australia and New Zealand consumers is that eye health is viewed independently from brain and cognitive health, according to the brand’s product development team.
“However, the eyes and brain are closely interconnected. Vision is a major source of sensory information for the brain, while cognitive processes such as attention, memory and perception influence how visual information is processed and interpreted,” they told NutraIngredients.
This also represents a crucial opportunity to develop products that cater to not only eye health but also broader brain and cognitive functions.
Another awareness gap is that some parents may focus more on identifying vision problems once children reach school age, while underappreciating the importance of nutrition during the earlier years.
“Early childhood, particularly the first several years of life, is an important period for brain and visual development, when the visual and nervous systems undergo substantial maturation. Adequate intake of key nutrients supports normal growth and development.”
From an ingredient perspective, the brand sees continued potential for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid(ARA), and vitamin A.
“DHA and ARA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important components of the developing brain and retina. Vitamin A is essential for normal vision and plays important roles in growth and development.”
Lifestream’s Genius Brains DHA formula brings together these three nutrients to provide complementary nutritional support for cognition and visual function during the early years.
The concept is designed around “dual eye and brain care”, focusing on both systems rather than exclusively on ocular health.
“DHA is particularly concentrated in the membranes of retinal photoreceptors, where it can account for approximately 50 to 70% of fatty acids in rod outer segments. It contributes to the structure and function of neuronal and photoreceptor cell membranes, and is involved in processes supporting neural signaling and visual function.”
On the other hand, vitamin A is metabolized into biologically active retinoids, including retinoic acid, which acts as a signaling molecule involved in nervous system and eye development.
It is widely studied that vitamin A deficiency can cause visual impairment, including night blindness, and severe deficiency in children can lead to blindness.
Eyes on Chinese market
Children across many Asian countries face increasing educational demands and exposure to digital devices, alongside substantial near-work activities.
These lifestyle factors have contributed to growing attention on children’s visual health, especially the high and increasing burden of myopia in East Asia.
Data from International Myopia Institute shows that up to 80% to 90% of young adults in South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China, and Japan are affected by myopia.
Against this background, Lifestream sees an opportunity to develop more nutritional solutions like Genius Brains DHA that recognize the close relationship between eye and brain health.
“As we continue expanding into Asian markets, we are particularly optimistic about the long-term potential of the Chinese market.”
