Meso zeaxanthin

Retinal and macular support. Meso zeaxanthin is essential for protection of the macula.

Marigold

Meso zeaxanthin, unlike lutein and zeaxanthin is rarely found in dietary sources such as green leafy vegetables. Some researchers report that it is found to be present in some species of fish and shrimp (depending on extraction methods).1, 4 Meso zeaxanthin is generated from lutein2 and this conversion takes place primarily within the eye.3 Commercial meso zeaxanthin is produced from marigold petals.

Retinal pigment. Meso zeaxanthin is found primarily in the center of the retina, the macula, where it performs essential functions of filtering out retina-damaging blue light, protecting against oxidative stress. It supports the thickness of the retinal pigment, an important factor in the prevention of macular eye disease.4 Meso zeaxanthin protects against a slightly more violet shade of blue compared to lutein and zeaxanthin.5

Cardio-metabolic risk. In animal studies, meso zeaxanthin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to protect against fatty liver and cardio-metabolic symdromes.6

Computer fatigue. Like other macular carotenoids, meso zeaxanthin protects against eye fatigue, poor sleep, headache, and other physical impairments caused by high computer screen time exposure.7

Footnotes

1. Nolan JM, Meagher K, Kashiani S, Beatty S. (2013). What is meso-zeaxanthin, and where does it come from? Eye (Lond). Aug;27(8):899-905.
2. Ibid. Nolan. (2013).
3. Bernstein PS, LI B, Vachali PP, Gorusupudi A, Shyam R, et al. (2016). Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and meso-Zeaxanthin: The Basic and Clinical Science Underlying Carotenoid-based Nutritional Interventions against Ocular Disease. Prog Retin Eyes Res. Jan:50:34-66.
4. Ma L, Liu R, Du JH, Liu T, Wu SS, et al. (2016). Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Optical Density. Nutrients. Jul 12;8(7):E426.
5. Ibid. Bernstein. (2106).
6. Sahin K, Orhan C, Akdemir F, Tuzcu M, Sahin N, et al. (2017). Mesozeaxanthin protects the liver and reduces cardio-metabolic risk factors in an insulin resistant rodent model. Food Nutr Res. Jul 18;61(1):1353360.
7. Stringham JM, Stringham NT, O'Brien KJ. (2017). Macular Carotenoid Supplementation Improves Visual Performance, Sleep Quality, and Adverse Physical Symptoms in Those with High Screen Time Exposure. Foods. Jun 29;6(7):E47.