Meso-zeaxanthin The third macular pigment

Much has been written in recent years about the potential protective effects of certain nutritional components for the macula. The original AREDS study used a formula containing vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and copper.

There was no available formulation of macular pigment carotenoids available at the time. The results were widely publicised and suggested that, for a sub-group of patients already with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there appeared to be a reduced risk of further progression to the end stages of the disease in one eye.

Meso-zeaxanthin

Further work through the 1990s started to raise the profile of two macular pigments, the stereo-isomers lutein and zeaxanthin, both completely derived from dietary origin and found in the macular area of the retina. They were found to have a protective effect against short wavelength light damage and to have an antioxidant effect, so potentially might be able to slow down the macular degenerative process. Studies, such as the LAST veterans study by Dr Stuart Richer, have implied a direct benefit in lutein supplementation in preventing sight loss through AMD. There are several multicentre studies currently under way aiming to establish more concrete data regarding the actual role of supplementation in preventing AMD. Furthermore, other dietary components, such as taurine and omega-3, have been found to play some protective anti-oxidant role.