Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Meso-Zeaxanthin Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
·

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

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Very well tolerated at recommended doses
  • Mild carotenodermia possible at high intakes
  • Rare gastrointestinal discomfort

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • High-dose beta-carotene may compete for carotenoid absorption
  • Orlistat and other fat-absorption inhibitors reduce bioavailability
  • No significant drug interactions reported at standard doses

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 20 mg/day studied without adverse effects; standard dose is 10 mg

Full Meso-Zeaxanthin Guide

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