Similar to Vitamin E, which has active Right-handed and inactive Left-handed isomers, there are three optical isomers of Zeaxanthin: R-R form found in Nature (corn, persimmons, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, peas, brussel sprouts, red peppers), Meso-zeaxanthin (R-L form) found only in the primate retina but nowhere else in the body, and L-L form, which is not found in nature.
Meso-zeaxanthin is actually not made from Zeaxanthin, but is manufactured from Lutein oleoresin via a harsh chemical extraction process known as saponification from fats and lye.
Because Meso-zeaxanthin is not present in the diet and did not exist as a supplement prior to 1994, it has not been recognized by either the FDA or FTC as a dietary supplement.
Additional information can be found by clicking the links below:
All VisiVite AREDS 2 Formulas contain the R-R (right-right) biologically active isomer of natural zeaxanthin.
