Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

MacuGuard Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

MacuGuard label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking MacuGuard against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

MacuGuard is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for minor wounds and skin healing, skin inflammation and irritation, diaper rash.Based on those ingredients, 892 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are natural Astaxanthin, Marigold extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against MacuGuard by Life Extension

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with MacuGuard by Life Extension — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of MacuGuard by Life Extension

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “Phospholipids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (4 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “MacuGuard Carotenoid Phospholipid Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (145 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

MacuGuard is a softgel with 6 active ingredients, most of them carotenoids — plant pigments your eye needs. You're getting two forms of zeaxanthin (meso-zeaxanthin and trans-zeaxanthin) and free lutein, all of which concentrate naturally in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye.

You also get astaxanthin, another carotenoid from algae, plus marigold extract and C3G (a compound from berries). The softgel itself is made with olive oil, gelatin, soy lecithin, and a few other inactive ingredients to hold it together and help your body absorb the carotenoids.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Ocular support with astaxanthin.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Central serous retinopathy, Choroideremia, Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Zeaxanthin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Zeaxanthin (both forms in this product) is listed as possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of vision loss as we get older. Lutein is also possibly effective for AMD and for cataracts.

Astaxanthin doesn't have enough reliable evidence yet to rate its effectiveness for any condition. For the other claims — cognitive decline, Alzheimer's, asthma, and several others — the evidence for zeaxanthin, lutein, and astaxanthin is either insufficient or suggests no real benefit.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calendula Astaxanthin

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lutein and zeaxanthin (both forms) are generally well tolerated at the doses in this product. The safety data on zeaxanthin in pregnancy notes that food sources are fine, but concentrated supplements haven't been well studied, so talk with your doctor before using this if you're pregnant.

The same caution applies to breastfeeding — lutein naturally ends up in breast milk, but higher supplement doses haven't been studied enough. Astaxanthin is the ingredient with the most caution flags.

It's generally tolerated in studies, but long-term safety data are limited, and the facts say it's best to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding because not enough safety data exist. Astaxanthin can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools; at high doses, stomach pain has been more severe.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calendula Astaxanthin

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calendula, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 893 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take antidiabetes drugs (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, or others), zeaxanthin might increase the risk of low blood sugar — check with your pharmacist. Also watch for any medications broken down by the liver enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 — astaxanthin may reduce their levels — including certain blood pressure drugs, immunosuppressants, and statins.

Your pharmacist can search your exact medications on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

MacuGuard is aimed at people concerned about age-related eye health, particularly AMD — both zeaxanthin and lutein have some evidence behind that claim. If you take antidiabetes medication or any drug metabolized by the liver, you should run this past your pharmacist first.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and anyone taking long-term medications should check with their doctor before starting. A quick chat with your pharmacist about your specific meds will let you know if this is right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2016.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about MacuGuard, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870188667
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59729
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for MacuGuard by Life Extension, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
737870188667
IngredientAmount% DV
Phospholipids0 NP--
Blend4 mg--
Meso-Zeaxanthin0 NP--
Trans-Zeaxanthin0 NP--
Marigold extract0 NP--
Free Lutein10 mg--
C3G2.2 mg--
MacuGuard Carotenoid Phospholipid Blend145 mg--
natural Astaxanthin6 mg--

Other ingredients: extra virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Soy Lecithin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Safflower Oil, purified Water, Beeswax, Annatto color, Potato Maltodextrin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Ocular Support With Astaxanthin

Carotenoid Blend of Zeaxanthin, Lutein, C3G, Meso-Zeaxanthin plus Astaxanthin

Contains soybeans.

General Statements

Scan for product info

Based on scientific studies, this formula is enhanced with phospholipids to increase lutein absorption.*

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. DIRECTIONS: Take one (1) softgel daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

WARNINGS: ~ KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

~ DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. ~ Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

~ When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

Contains soybeans.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

LuteinPlus and Mz are registered trademarks of Nutriproducts Ltd., UK, licensed under U.S. Patents 6,218,436 and 6,329,432.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

MacuGuard by Life Extension label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

MacuGuard label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in MacuGuard by Life Extension

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

C3G

2.2 mg per serving Form: European Black Currant extract

MacuGuard Carotenoid Phospholipid Blend

145 mg per serving

Natural Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
6 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis algae

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Natural Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Extra virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Soy Lecithin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Safflower Oil, Purified Water, Beeswax, Annatto color, Potato Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

MacuGuard by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against MacuGuard?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
892Drugs
751 Moderate 141 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

natural Astaxanthin 671
Marigold extract 248

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in MacuGuard interact with 892 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 4 ingredients in MacuGuard interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. natural Astaxanthin Marigold extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in MacuGuard with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

natural Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
natural Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions

Marigold extract1 drug type · 248 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, calendula might have additive effects when used with CNS depressants, although this appears to be unlikely.
Although some animal research has suggested that a saponoside constituent in calendula may have sedative effects, calendula has been used for over 30 years without reports of sedation in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Marigold extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for MacuGuard, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

MacuGuard by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does MacuGuard by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, MacuGuard has a known interaction with 892 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
MacuGuard contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is this supplement for?
MacuGuard is formulated to support eye health, specifically the macula — the part of your retina responsible for sharp central vision. Zeaxanthin and lutein, the main ingredients, are carotenoids your eye naturally uses, and they're possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, as well as for cataracts.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The zeaxanthin and lutein in this product are rated likely safe during pregnancy and lactation, but concentrated supplements haven't been studied as thoroughly as food sources. Astaxanthin, however, has too little safety data, so it's best avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting if you're pregnant or nursing.
What side effects might I notice?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are well tolerated and don't usually cause side effects. Astaxanthin can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools; at high doses, some people have reported severe stomach pain. These aren't common at the amounts in this product, but let your pharmacist know if you develop any.
Does this product really work for AMD?
Zeaxanthin and lutein are both rated possibly effective for AMD based on the evidence we hold. That means there's some research backing the claim, but it's not definitive — results vary by person. Astaxanthin, the third carotenoid here, doesn't have enough evidence yet to say whether it helps.
Does astaxanthin in this product affect my medications?
Astaxanthin may theoretically slow down how your liver processes drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes, potentially lowering their levels — though this hasn't been confirmed in humans yet. The risk is Moderate. If you take any prescription medication, especially those processed by the liver, run it through our interaction checker below to be sure.
What's the difference between these two zeaxanthin ingredients?
Meso-zeaxanthin and trans-zeaxanthin are two forms of the same carotenoid, zeaxanthin. Both are included in this formula to mimic the full spectrum found naturally in your retina. They interact with medications in the same way and have the same effectiveness data.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

MacuGuard label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind MacuGuard’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Calendula

Interacts with 248 drugs

Calendula is a flowering plant whose petals are used mainly in skin creams, oils, and ointments to soothe minor irritation and support wound healing. Some early research is promising for ski...

Read the full Calendula monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

MacuGuard's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 18 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin monograph →

Calendula 9 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Reider N, Komericki P, Hausen BM, et al. The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Contact Dermatitis 2001;45:269-72..
  3. Gol'dman II. [Anaphylactic shock after gargling with an infusion of Calendula]. Klin Med (Mosk) 1974;52:142-3.
  4. Paulsen E. Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis 2002;47:189-98. PubMed
  5. Bojadjiev C. On the sedative and hypotensive effect of preparations from the plant Calendula officinalis. Nauch Trud Visshi Med Inst Sof 1964;43:15-20.
  6. Samochowiec L. Pharmacological study of saponosides from Aralia mandshurica Rupr. et Maxim and Calendula officinalis L. Herba Pol. 1983;29:151-155.
  7. Madisetti M, Kelechi TJ, Mueller M, Amella EJ, Prentice MA. Feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of RGN107 in the palliative wound care management of chronic wound symptoms. J Wound Care. 2017;26(Sup1):S25-S34. PubMed
  8. Final Assessment report on Calendula officinalis L., flos. European Medicines Agency: Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). 2018. EMA/HMPC/603409/2017. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-cal
  9. Puaratanaarunkon T, Washrawirul C, Chuenboonngarm N, Noppakun N, Asawanonda P, Kumtornrut C. Efficacy and safety of a facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glaba root extract in the treatment of maskne: A

See these in context on the Calendula monograph →

Lutein 2 references
  1. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
  2. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed

See these in context on the Lutein monograph →

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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