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Smoking status: not checked. AREDS2 Formula: what these mean for you changes depending on whether you smoke or used to, and you have not told us. That check was skipped.
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
AREDS2 Formula vs Meso-Zeaxanthin: they're closely matched on evidence (7 vs 4/10); they're alternatives for protect vision — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
AREDS2 Formula and Meso-Zeaxanthin are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Too few graded studies
Top outcomes
Verdict
Too few graded studies
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (2)
Outcomes where both AREDS2 Formula and Meso-Zeaxanthin have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
One AREDS2 daily regimen, usually split into two servings: vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg, zinc 80 mg (as zinc oxide) and copper 2 mg (as cupric oxide)
With meals
A product matching the AREDS2 composition exactly: vitamin C 500 mg, vitamin E 400 IU, lutein 10 mg, zeaxanthin 2 mg, zinc 80 mg, copper 2 mg
10mg daily (often in combination with lutein and zeaxanthin)
With a fat-containing meal, Any time of day
Meso-zeaxanthin with lutein and zeaxanthin (MPOD formula)
and 3 more not shown
Years — average follow-up was 6.3 years
Years
Long-term
Years
8-24 weeks
12-24 weeks
Ongoing
Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial.
JAMA (2013) · Rct · n=4203
Primary analysis was NULL: lutein/zeaxanthin HR 0.90 (98.7% CI 0.76-1.07, P=.12); DHA+EPA HR 0.97 (0.82-1.16, P=.70); both together HR 0.89 (0.75-1.06, P=.10)
A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8.
Arch Ophthalmol (2001) · Rct · n=3640
Antioxidants plus zinc vs placebo for advanced AMD: OR 0.72 (99% CI 0.52-0.98). Zinc alone OR 0.75 (0.55-1.03); antioxidants alone OR 0.80 (0.59-1.09) — neither significant on its own
Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ω-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report 28.
JAMA Ophthalmol (2022) · Cohort · n=3882
10-year lung cancer odds ratio: 1.82 (95% CI 1.06-3.12, P=.02) for beta-carotene assignment vs 1.15 (0.79-1.66, P=.46) for lutein/zeaxanthin
Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Functions: Network Meta-Analysis
Advances in Nutrition (2024) · Meta analysis
Out of 60 articles selected for systematic review, 38 were included in the network meta-analysis, categorized into 8 distinct antioxidant-supplemented groups and placebo.
The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Advances in Nutrition (2021) · Meta analysis · n=3189
46 studies with 3189 participants with healthy eyes were analyzed.
Carotenoids in the Management of Glaucoma: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Nutrients (2021) · Systematic review
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and 20 records were identified for screening.
Both AREDS2 Formula and Meso-Zeaxanthin are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For protect vision, AREDS2 Formula has a higher relevance score (88 vs 70).
No documented interaction was found in the data searched. This does not establish that this exact combination is safe.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.