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Meso-Zeaxanthin

MZ

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Meta Information

ID:meso-zeaxanthin
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18

Created

2026-05-21T22:30:00Z

Model

phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6

Interactions

Target id:
/intervention/lutein
Target name:
Lutein
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Meso-zeaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin are the three macular carotenoids that work together to absorb blue light and protect the retina from oxidative stress.
Actionable advice:
It should be taken alongside lutein and zeaxanthin, as they are typically found together in effective eye health formulas.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the human macula and may have a role in visual function.
Label source:
PubMed: The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (PMID 34157098)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/zeaxanthin
Target name:
Zeaxanthin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Meso-zeaxanthin is an isomer of zeaxanthin and works directly with it and lutein to form the protective macular pigment in the eye.
Actionable advice:
It should be taken alongside zeaxanthin and lutein for a complete macular carotenoid profile.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
The carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) accumulate in the central retina, where they are collectively known as macular pigment (MP).
Label source:
PubMed: What is meso-zeaxanthin, and where does it come from? (PMID 23703634)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/bile-acid-sequestrants
Target name:
Bile Acid Sequestrants
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
These medications bind to bile acids and fats in the intestine, which can trap fat-soluble meso-zeaxanthin and prevent its absorption.
Actionable advice:
Meso-zeaxanthin and bile acid sequestrants should be separated by at least 4 hours.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Because cholestyramine binds bile acids, QUESTRAN may interfere with normal fat digestion and absorption and thus may prevent absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
Label source:
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/orlistat
Target name:
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that blocks the digestion and absorption of dietary fat, which will severely reduce the absorption of fat-soluble meso-zeaxanthin.
Actionable advice:
Meso-zeaxanthin should be taken at least 2 hours before or after Orlistat, ideally with a meal that Orlistat will not affect.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
11 DESCRIPTION 11 DESCRIPTION XENICAL (orlistat) is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor for obesity management that acts by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats.
Label source:
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/condition/fat-malabsorption-syndromes
Target name:
Fat Malabsorption Syndromes
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Conditions that impair fat absorption (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, pancreatitis, celiac disease) will significantly reduce the uptake of meso-zeaxanthin.
Actionable advice:
Fat malabsorption reduces uptake of this fat-soluble carotenoid. Take it with dietary fat, and ask your provider about higher doses or specialized formulations if you have malabsorption.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Intestinal malabsorption syndromes such as celiac and Crohn's disease are known to cause deficiencies of lipid-soluble nutrients. Subjects with malabsorption (n = 22) had 37% lower levels of macular carotenoids on average versus controls (n = 25, P < 0.001). We conclude that intestinal malabsorption results in lower macular carotenoid levels.
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2600549/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/omega-3-dha
Target name:
Omega-3 DHA
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHA is a key structural fat in the retina; combining it with macular carotenoids may enhance both the structural integrity and protective function of the eye.
Actionable advice:
Taking with a high-DHA omega-3 supplement may provide additional benefits for retinal health.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
The cognitive impact of lutein has also been suggested to be related to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels due to their colocalisation in several regions of the brain. In both the prefrontal cortex and striatum, mitochondrial lutein levels have been shown to be inversely related to DHA oxidation products, further pointing toward the interdependence of these nutrients.
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11528376/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-c
Target name:
Vitamin C
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Works with other antioxidants like Vitamin C to protect retinal cells from oxidative damage, as established in the AREDS2 formulation for eye health.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking as part of a comprehensive antioxidant formula that includes Vitamin C for enhanced eye protection.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Other strategies currently used include the addition of antioxidant supplements to the diet (dietary supplementation with antioxidants) such as L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10,MitoQ10 and other mitochondria-targeted antioxidants,N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C, vitamin E vitamin K1, vitamin B, sodium pyruvate or -lipoic acid.
Label source:
PubMed: Mitochondrial biogenesis: pharmacological approaches. (PMID 24606795)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-e
Target name:
Vitamin E
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
As a fat-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin E works with meso-zeaxanthin in the lipid membranes of retinal cells to neutralize free radicals.
Actionable advice:
This is best combined with Vitamin E, often included in eye health formulas based on the AREDS2 study.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
RRR-alpha-tocopherol is the major peroxyl radical scavenger in biological lipid phases such as membranes or low-density lipoproteins (LDL).
Label source:
PubMed: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (1992)
Exact phrase from label:
Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and some oxycarotenoids, eg, zeaxanthin and lutein, exert antioxidant functions in lipid phases by quenching 1O2 or free radicals.
Label source:
PubMed: The American journal of clinical nutrition (1995)
Exact phrase from label:
Vitamin E, which is generally understood to act as a lipophilic antioxidant protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids present in membranes, is often proposed to be a transcriptional regulator.
Label source:
PubMed: Annual review of nutrition (2021)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/zinc
Target name:
Zinc
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Zinc is a critical cofactor for antioxidant enzymes in the retina and supports the function of carotenoids in maintaining eye health.
Actionable advice:
Adequate zinc intake is a good idea, as it is a key component of the AREDS2 formulation for macular health.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
In particular, zinc and selenium function as structural and catalytic cofactors for antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while vitamins A and D regulate cellular differentiation and calcium-phosphorus metabolism through transcriptional control mechanisms.
Label source:
PubMed: Mineral-Vitamin Complexes in Sheep Nutrition: Patent Analysis and Functional Evaluation for Pregnant Ewes and Lambs. (PMID 41900039)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The safety of high-dose meso-zeaxanthin supplementation during pregnancy has not been formally established.
Actionable advice:
Supplementation is best avoided during pregnancy unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
It is not known if or how zeaxanthin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is unknown if supplemental meso-zeaxanthin is excreted in breast milk or its effects on a nursing infant.
Actionable advice:
Supplementation is best avoided while breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Validation status:
unvalidatable
Evidence tier:
tier_e
Evidence basis:
unvalidatable
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Scientific literature support not found
Exact phrase from label:
Label source:
NatMed Pro Monograph: Zeaxanthin
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/viscous-fibers
Target name:
Gel-Forming Viscous Fibers
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
High-dose soluble fibers like psyllium or glucomannan can form a gel in the gut that may trap fats and reduce the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.
Actionable advice:
Doses of meso-zeaxanthin and high-dose viscous fiber supplements are best separated by at least 2 hours.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Also, although some factors (HLFM molecular species, fat, food matrix) affect absorption efficiency of most HLFMs, other factors (fibers, microconstituents) apparently affect absorption only of some HLFMs.
Label source:
PubMed: Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine (2003)
Exact phrase from label:
Phylloquinone bioaccessibility is specifically impacted by saponins, tannins, and fibers while its uptake is impacted by saponins, fibers, and phytates.
Label source:
PubMed: Molecular nutrition & food research (2019)
Exact phrase from label:
There is no convincing evidence that low-fat diets negatively affect fat-soluble vitamin absorption, but cholesterol-lowering compounds (diets), or unabsorbable fat substitutes, may do so. Vitamin bioavailability may be compromised from certain vegetables (particularly raw), and/or from high-fiber foods, because of limited digestion and inefficient release of vitamins from the food matrix.
Label source:
PubMed: International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition (2002)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/class/statins
Target name:
Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Some research suggests that statins, by lowering cholesterol which transports carotenoids, may slightly lower circulating levels of carotenoids, though the clinical impact is likely minimal.
Actionable advice:
No special timing is needed, but be aware of this theoretical interaction; ensuring consistent intake is key.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
LIPITOR is a prescription medicine that contains a cholesterol lowering medicine (statin) called atorvastatin.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/acid-suppressors
Target name:
Gastric Acid Suppressors
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers may alter the gut environment and theoretically reduce the efficiency of absorption for some fat-soluble nutrients.
Actionable advice:
No special timing is required, but ensure you take meso-zeaxanthin with a quality source of fat if on long-term acid-suppressing therapy.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
As a result, PPIs can modify the bioavailability and absorption of essential vitamins and minerals both in the stomach and duodenum, which may also affect more distal absorption.
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4110863/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
High-Fat Meal (Dietary Fat)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Meso-zeaxanthin is a fat-soluble xanthophyll carotenoid. Like lutein and zeaxanthin, it must be incorporated into lipid micelles in the small intestine to be absorbed, so taking it with a fat-containing meal substantially increases its bioavailability.
Actionable advice:
Meso-zeaxanthin should be taken with a meal containing healthy fat (e.g., olive oil, avocado, nuts, or eggs); taking it on an empty stomach or with a fat-free meal greatly reduces absorption.
Validation status:
validated_via_class_inference
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
class_inference_summary
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Mechanism / fat-soluble absorption
Exact phrase from label:
As a xanthophyll carotenoid, meso-zeaxanthin requires dietary fat for micellar solubilization and intestinal absorption.
Label source:
Mechanistic inference
Action type:
informational_none