Macushield is made up of 3 dietary compounds; lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, collectively known as the macular pigments. Macular pigment is yellow in colour and therefore absorbs damaging blue light.Lutein and zeaxanthin are dietary carotenoids that filter damaging high-energy blue wavelength light from the visible-light spectrum by as much as 90%. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants and therefore protect against the damage caused by free radicals.Meso-zeaxanthin is the 3rd component of the macular pigment and is only found at the centre where vision is sharpest. Meso-zeaxanthin is obtained by the conversion of lutein to meso-zeaxanthin in the macula. It is not found in a typical diet. Meso-zeaxanthin is being recognised as a more powerful neutraliser of free radicals than either lutein or zeaxanthin. Supplementation with meso-zeaxanthin will ensure that this component of macular pigment accumulates at the target tissue (i.e. the central macula) in a way that is not dependent on an enzyme to convert lutein to meso-zeaxanthin. Indeed, such an enzyme may be lacking in some individuals.
