Lutein and Age-related Macular Degeneration

Lutein is not enough on its own – the power of three carotenoids is needed.

 
 
 
 
What are Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin?

Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin are plant-based nutrients called carotenoids. Carotenoids are the natural pigments that give vegetables, fruits, and other plants their colour (red, orange, yellow, and green). Carotenoids are not produced by the human body, meaning we need to consume them through our diet. 

All three of these nutrients are found in high concentrations in the macula of the human eye. In our diet they are found in dark-green leafy vegetables, colourful fruits and fish. The macula, a small  area at the centre of the retina that contains the highest concentration of photoreceptor cells, is a very important part of the eye. It gives us all of the fine and detailed vision we need for precision tasks such as reading and writing, seeing faces, as well as our colour vision. In fact, lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin each contribute to the macula’s yellow colour.

Why are Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin so important?

The area where carotenoids gather in our eye is called the macular pigment. This yellow protective layer protects the macula from damage. When working at its best, the macular pigment filters blue light, and reduces oxidative stress caused by ageing, protecting the macula from daily damage. For years scientists thought Lutein was the only carotenoid to gather at the macular pigment. However, recent studies at Nutrition Research Centre Ireland have proven that the macular pigment is in fact made up of Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin.

 Macula with Macular Pigment Protection
 Macula without Macular Pigment Protection
How can I get Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin in my Diet?

A healthy diet, high in antioxidant vitamins and minerals has long been associated with the prevention or delay of AMD. Dark-green leafy vegetables, eggs and fruit are a good source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

However, it is really difficult for us to consume Meso-Zeaxanthin through our diet as it is only available in trout skin. So boosting your diet with a daily carotenoid supplement, such as MacuPrime, is an easy way to make sure you are getting the recommended 10mg Meso-Zeaxanthin as well as 10mg Lutein, and 2 mg Zeaxanthin for good macular health.

MacuPrime Products

Macu Prime Carton and Bottle

MacuPrime

Our formula combines all three macular carotenoids, lutein (10mg), zeaxanthin (2mg) and meso-zeaxanthin (10mg) in a specific 10:10:2 ratio.

Now available on subscription!
Macu Prime PLUS Carton and Bottle

MacuPrime PLUS

Alongside the three macular carotenoids lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin, our formula contains zinc to help maintain normal vision, as well as other vitamins and minerals.

Now available on subscription!

Get 10% off your first order*

    Please tick this box to opt in to receive our newsletter. You’ll be the first to know about upcoming sales, and we’ll also share our hints and tips for eye health.

    * Not applicable to subscriptions.

    Thank you for showing interest in our Amsler Grid, please click below for your free downloadable Amsler Grid PDF