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Meso-Zeaxanthin Dosage Guide

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

General Dosage

10 mg daily in combination with 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin

Maximum dose: 20 mg/day studied without adverse effects; standard dose is 10 mg

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 10 mg daily in combination with 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin

Timing: With a fat-containing meal • Take with food for best absorption.

Dosage by Condition

Macular pigment optimization
10 mg with lutein 10 mg + zeaxanthin 2 mgModerate
AMD risk reduction
10 mg in triple-carotenoid formulaModerate
Visual performance
10 mg dailyModerate

Upper limit: 20 mg/day studied without adverse effects; standard dose is 10 mg

Timing & Absorption

With a fat-containing meal

Best taken with food for optimal absorption.

References

  1. RCTNolan JM, Power R, Stringham J, et al. (2016). Enrichment of Macular Pigment Enhances Contrast Sensitivity in Subjects Free of Retinal Disease: Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials — Report 1. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTAkuffo KO, Nolan JM, Howard AN, et al. (2015). Sustained supplementation and monitored response with differing carotenoid formulations in early age-related macular degeneration. Eye. DOI PubMed
  3. Meta-analysisMa L, Liu R, Du JH, Liu T, et al. (2016). Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTStringham NT, Green M, Roche W, Prado-Cabrero A, et al. (2024). Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation attenuates inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative cardiovascular processes in humans.. Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. DOI PubMed
  5. RCTPower R, Nolan JM, Prado-Cabrero A, Roche W, et al. (2022). Omega-3 fatty acid, carotenoid and vitamin E supplementation improves working memory in older adults: A randomised clinical trial.. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). DOI PubMed
  6. RCTNolan JM, Power R, Howard AN, Bergin P, et al. (2022). Supplementation With Carotenoids, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Vitamin E Has a Positive Effect on the Symptoms and Progression of Alzheimer's Disease.. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. DOI PubMed
  7. García-Romera MC, Silva-Viguera MC, López-Izquierdo I, López-Muñoz A, et al. (2022). Effect of macular pigment carotenoids on cognitive functions: A systematic review.. Physiology & behavior. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Loughman J, Loskutova E, Butler JS, Siah WF, et al. (2021). Macular Pigment Response to Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation in Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial.. Ophthalmology science. DOI PubMed
  2. Addo EK, Gorusupudi A, Allman S, Bernstein PS (2021). The Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) study-carotenoid supplementation during pregnancy: ocular and systemic effects-study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.. Trials. DOI PubMed
  3. Davey PG, Henderson T, Lem DW, Weis R, et al. (2020). Visual Function and Macular Carotenoid Changes in Eyes with Retinal Drusen-An Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare a Micronized Lipid-Based Carotenoid Liquid Supplementation and AREDS-2 Formula.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  4. Power R, Coen RF, Beatty S, Mulcahy R, et al. (2018). Supplemental Retinal Carotenoids Enhance Memory in Healthy Individuals with Low Levels of Macular Pigment in A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. DOI PubMed
  5. Stringham NT, Holmes PV, Stringham JM (2018). Supplementation with macular carotenoids reduces psychological stress, serum cortisol, and sub-optimal symptoms of physical and emotional health in young adults.. Nutritional neuroscience. DOI PubMed