Meso-Zeaxanthin Research
40 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8.5/10
Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Functions: Network Meta-Analysis
Liu R et al. • Advances in Nutrition (2024)
All intervention groups including L+Z+MZ significantly increased MPOD compared to placebo.
- Network meta-analysis of RCTs
- Triple carotenoid combination most effective
- Improved visual function outcomes
The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Wilson LM et al. • Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) (2021)
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition.
- Our objective was to determine a minimum concentration of lutein/zeaxanthin intake that is associated with a statistically significant and/or clinically important change in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) among adults with healthy eyes.
- We included 46 studies (N = 3189 participants; mean age = 43 y; 42% male).
- There was no statistically significant change in MPOD among studies evaluating <5 mg/d of total lutein/zeaxanthin intake which primarily assessed dietary interventions for 3-6 mo (pooled mean difference, 0.02; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.05).
Macular Pigment Carotenoids and Bisretinoid A2E
Arunkumar R et al. • Advances in experimental medicine and biology (2023)
The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
- The pyridinium bisretinoid, N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), contributes to drusen formation in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to the autofluorescent flecks in autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1).
- Retinal carotenoids attenuate A2E formation and can directly and indirectly alleviate A2E-mediated oxidative damage.
- In this chapter, we review these more recently recognized interconnections between MP carotenoids and A2E bisretinoids.© 2023.
Potential roles of dietary zeaxanthin and lutein in macular health and function
Li X et al. • Nutrition reviews (2023)
For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
- Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute.
- All rights reserved.
- For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
Carotenoids in the Management of Glaucoma: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Lem DW et al. • Nutrients (2021)
The data suggest that carotenoid vitamin therapy exerts synergic neuroprotective benefits and has the capacity to serve adjunctive therapy in the management of glaucoma.
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and 20 records were identified for screening.
- Lutein demonstrated enhanced neuroprotection on retinal ganglion cell survival and preserved synaptic activity.
- In clinical studies, a protective trend was seen with greater dietary consumption of carotenoids and risk of glaucoma, while greater carotenoid levels in macular pigment were largely associated with improved visual performance in glaucomatous eyes.
A Systematic Review of Carotenoids in the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy
Lem DW et al. • Nutrients (2021)
These findings provide a strong molecular basis and a line of evidence that suggests carotenoid vitamin therapy may offer enhanced neuroprotective effects with therapeutic potential to function as an adjunct nutraceutical strategy for management of diabetic retinopathy.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin demonstrated significant protection against capillary cell degeneration and hyperglycemia-induced changes in retinal vasculature.
- Observational studies indicate that depletion of xanthophyll carotenoids in the macula may represent a novel feature of DR, specifically in patients with type 2 or poorly managed type 1 diabetes.
- Meanwhile, early interventional trials with dietary carotenoid supplementation show promise in improving their levels in serum and macular pigments concomitant with benefits in visual performance.
Extraction, detection, and imaging of the macular carotenoids
Li B et al. • Methods in enzymology (2022)
All rights reserved.
- Intraretinal levels of these carotenoids are inversely associated with the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and oral supplementation with these carotenoids can significantly reduce AMD risk.
- We first introduce carotenoid extraction methods from the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid, serum, and liver of the human and animal models, such as mice and Japanese quails, as well as from algae, bacteria, and chicken egg yolks and cultured cells.
- We then review macular carotenoid detection by spectroscopy and HPLC, while particularly introducing carotenoid separation via cyano columns, chiral columns, and C30 columns.
Effect of macular pigment carotenoids on cognitive functions: A systematic review
García-Romera MC et al. • Physiology & behavior (2022)
Published by Elsevier Inc.
- Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake increased MPOD in six of the seven clinical trials and significantly improved most of the cognitive functions studied.
- Brain activity also was related to MPOD, but the results were inconsistent.
- Only four of the eleven observational studies were based on young people and all studies showed a significant relationship between MPOD and cognitive functions.
Can Diet Supplements of Macular Pigment of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-zeaxanthin Affect Cognition?
Wang H et al. • Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD (2022)
The diet supplements of L + Z or L + Z+MZ are associated with better cognitive functioning, which may be via their beneficial effects on the vision.
- The diet supplements of L + Z or L + Z+MZ are associated with better cognitive functioning, which may be via their beneficial effects on the vision.
- Published in Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD (2022)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density
Ma L et al. • Nutrients (2016)
This meta-analysis revealed that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation improved MPOD both in AMD patients and healthy subjects with a dose-response relationship.
- Xanthophyll carotenoids supplementation was associated with significant increase in MPOD in AMD patients (WMD, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.11) and healthy subjects (WMD, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.14).
- Additionally, the changes in MPOD were related with baseline MPOD levels (rAMD = -0.43, p = 0.06; rhealthy subjects = -0.71, p < 0.001) and blood xanthophyll carotenoids concentration (rAMD = 0.40, p = 0.07; rhealthy subjects = 0.33, p = 0.05).
- Stratified analysis showed a greater increase in MPOD among trials supplemented and combined with meso-zeaxanthin.
The macular carotenoids: A biochemical overview
Arunkumar R et al. • Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular and cell biology of lipids (2020)
All rights reserved.
- The MP carotenoids filter high-intensity, short-wavelength visible light and are powerful antioxidants in a region vulnerable to light-induced oxidative stress.
- This review focuses on MP chemistry, absorption, metabolism, transport, and distribution with special emphasis on animal models used for MP study.
- This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V.
Why is Zeaxanthin the Most Concentrated Xanthophyll in the Central Fovea?
Widomska J et al. • Nutrients (2020)
In this review, we discuss how the differences in the specific properties of lutein and zeaxanthin could help explain the preferential accumulation of zeaxanthin in the most vulnerable region of the macula.
- Zeaxanthin concentrations are 2.5-fold higher than lutein in the cone-dense central fovea.
- This is an ~20-fold increase in the molar ratio relative to eccentric retinal regions with biochemically detectable macular xanthophylls.
- The distribution of diet-based macular xanthophylls and the lutein metabolite meso-zeaxanthin varies considerably by retinal eccentricity.
Zeaxanthin and Lutein: Photoprotectors, Anti-Inflammatories, and Brain Food
Demmig-Adams B et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2020)
The question of an optimal dietary antioxidant supply is evaluated in the context of the dual roles of both oxidants and antioxidants, in all vital functions of living organisms, and the profound impact of individual and environmental context.
- This review compares and contrasts the role of carotenoids across the taxa of life-with a focus on the xanthophyll zeaxanthin (and its structural isomer lutein) in plants and humans.
- Xanthophylls' multiple protective roles are summarized, with attention to the similarities and differences in the roles of zeaxanthin and lutein in plants versus animals, as well as the role of meso-zeaxanthin in humans.
- Detail is provided on the unique control of zeaxanthin function in photosynthesis, that results in its limited availability in leafy vegetables and the human diet.
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin: The basic and clinical science underlying carotenoid-based nutritional interventions against ocular disease
Bernstein PS et al. • Progress in retinal and eye research (2016)
All rights reserved.
- Next, we turn to clinical evidence supporting functional benefits of these carotenoids in normal eyes and for their potential protective actions against ocular disease from infancy to old age.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
- All rights reserved.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers in Eye Health and Disease
Mares J • Annual review of nutrition (2016)
Accumulating evidence about variable interindividual response to dietary intake of these carotenoids, based on genetic or metabolic influences, suggests that there may be subgroups that benefit from higher levels of intake and/or alternate strategies to improve lutein and zeaxanthin status.
- Additionally, egg yolks and human milk appear to be bioavailable sources.
- The prevalence of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin in supplements is increasing.
- Setting optimal and safe ranges of intake requires additional research, particularly in pregnant and lactating women.
What is meso-zeaxanthin, and where does it come from?
Nolan JM et al. • Eye (London, England) (2013)
Certainly, the narrative that retinal MZ is derived wholly and solely from retinal L needs to be revisited.
- It has also been hypothesised that MP may protect against age-related macular degeneration because of the same optical properties and also because of the antioxidant capacity of the three macular carotenoids.
- Challenges inherent in the separation and quantification of MZ have resulted in a paucity of data on the content of this carotenoid in foodstuffs, and have rendered the study of tissue concentrations of this compound problematic.
- As a consequence, the few studies that have investigated MZ have, perhaps, been disproportionately influential in the ongoing debate about the origins of this macular carotenoid.
The macular xanthophylls
Ahmed SS et al. • Survey of ophthalmology (2005)
New and standardized methods of assessing macular pigment density are discussed and future areas of research to further our understanding of macular xanthophylls as they pertain to age-related macular degeneration are highlighted.
- Many have sought to exploit this therapeutic relation.
- Studies reveal that oral supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin can increase the levels of macular pigments in the retina and plasma.
- The effects of such supplementation on actual ocular function have yet to be fully addressed.
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation attenuates inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative cardiovascular processes in humans
Stringham NT et al. • Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD (2024)
Our data show that L, Z, & MZ supplementation results in decreased serum IL-1β, TNF-α, and OxLDL.
- Our data show that L, Z, & MZ supplementation results in decreased serum IL-1β, TNF-α, and OxLDL.
- This suggests that these carotenoids are acting systemically to attenuate oxidative lipid products and inflammation, thus reducing their contribution to atherosclerotic plaque formation.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The Impact of Supplemental Antioxidants on Visual Function in Nonadvanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Head-to-Head Randomized Clinical Trial
Akuffo KO et al. • Investigative ophthalmology & visual science (2017)
Antioxidant supplementation in patients with nonadvanced age-related macular degeneration results in significant increases in macular pigment and improvements in CS and other measures of visual function. (Clinical trial, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13894787).
- There was a statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome measure (letter CS at 6 cycles per degree [6 cpd]) over time (P = 0.013), and this observed improvement was statistically comparable between interventions (P = 0.881).
- Statistically significant increases in macular pigment at all eccentricities were observed over time (P < 0.0005, for all), and the degree of augmentation was statistically comparable between interventions (P > 0.05).
- Antioxidant supplementation in patients with nonadvanced age-related macular degeneration results in significant increases in macular pigment and improvements in CS and other measures of visual function. (Clinical trial, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13894787).
Macular carotenoid supplementation and visual function
Nolan JM et al. • Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2016)
Supplementation with all three macular carotenoids significantly improved macular pigment and visual function.
- Increased macular pigment
- Improved contrast sensitivity
- Enhanced glare recovery