Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

MacuGuard Ocular Support Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

MacuGuard Ocular Support is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for minor wounds and skin healing, skin inflammation and irritation, diaper rash.Based on those ingredients, 334 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Marigold extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of MacuGuard Ocular Support 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

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (4 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Marigold extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down 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 Ocular Support contains 5 active ingredients. Two forms of zeaxanthin — meso-zeaxanthin and trans-zeaxanthin — are included for eye health.

Free lutein, another carotenoid, rounds out the formula. The product also contains phospholipids to support nutrient absorption and C3G, a plant compound.

These actives are blended with inactive ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, soy lecithin, gelatin, and several others that serve as fillers and capsule materials.

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 and eye health.
  • 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).

The two zeaxanthin forms and lutein in this product are both rated possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main eye condition this supplement targets. Lutein is additionally rated possibly effective for cataracts.

The data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, asthma, or cancer — the evidence is insufficient to rate those uses. C3G and phospholipids don't have effectiveness ratings on file.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calendula

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 1 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. No adverse effects have been reported in trials.

Lutein doses up to 20 mg daily haven't caused side effects. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, both zeaxanthin and lutein carry a rating of likely safe — though the data notes that while dietary amounts from food are fine, supplement safety in pregnancy and lactation hasn't been well studied, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use if you're pregnant or nursing.

Phospholipids and C3G don't have pregnancy or safety data on file.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calendula

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?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 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 or blood sugar medications, double-check them with our search tool below — zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). No interactions are documented for the lutein in this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is an eye support formula aimed at slowing age-related macular degeneration, with two ingredients (zeaxanthin forms) that have a documented interaction with blood sugar medications. If you take diabetes drugs, check your exact medications with our tool before starting.

Otherwise, it's generally well tolerated. Talk to your pharmacist about whether it fits your eye health goals.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 5 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 Ocular Support, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870188568
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59664
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 Ocular Support 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
737870188568
IngredientAmount% DV
Phospholipids0 NP--
Blend4 mg--
Meso-Zeaxanthin0 NP--
Trans-Zeaxanthin0 NP--
Marigold extract0 NP--
Free Lutein10 mg--
MacuGuard Carotenoid Phospholipid Blend145 mg--
C3G2.2 mg--

Other ingredients: extra virgin Olive Oil, Soy Lecithin, Gelatin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Glycerin, Safflower Oil, Beeswax, purified Water, 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.
Precautions

~ 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.

WARNINGS: ~ KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

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

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

Formula

Carotenoid Blend of Zeaxanthin, Lutein, Meso-Zeaxanthin and Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G)

Contains soybeans.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

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

Scan for product info

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

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

General

Q01885G

See for yourself

MacuGuard Ocular Support by Life Extension label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in MacuGuard Ocular Support by Life Extension

These are the 3 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.

MacuGuard Carotenoid Phospholipid Blend

145 mg per serving

C3G

2.2 mg per serving Form: European Black Currant extract

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

Interaction report

MacuGuard Ocular Support by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against MacuGuard Ocular Support?

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
334Drugs
86 Moderate 248 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for MacuGuard Ocular Support, 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 Ocular Support by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does MacuGuard Ocular Support by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, MacuGuard Ocular Support has a known interaction with 334 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
MacuGuard Ocular Support contains 3 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.
Does this really help prevent or slow macular degeneration?
Zeaxanthin and lutein are both rated possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). That's the strongest evidence rating in our data for this product — it means there's some credible research, but more studies would help confirm it. Talk with your eye doctor about whether it's right for your situation.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both zeaxanthin and lutein are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. However, the data notes that supplement safety hasn't been well studied in these situations, even though dietary amounts from food are fine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before starting.
Will this interact with my diabetes medication?
Zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken with antidiabetes drugs — that's a Moderate concern. Use the medication checker on this page with your exact prescription, and let your pharmacist know if you take any blood sugar medications before adding this supplement.
What's the difference between the two zeaxanthin ingredients in here?
The product contains two forms of zeaxanthin — meso-zeaxanthin and trans-zeaxanthin. Both are carotenoids for eye health, and both carry the same interaction concern with blood sugar drugs. The different forms may have slightly different properties in the body, but the data we hold doesn't detail how they differ functionally.
Are there any side effects?
No adverse effects have been reported in trial data for zeaxanthin or lutein at typical supplement doses. Lutein studies have used doses up to 20 mg daily without problems. These ingredients are generally well tolerated.

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

Not sure if MacuGuard Ocular Support is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 Ocular Support label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind MacuGuard Ocular Support’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

MacuGuard Ocular Support'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 15 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 →

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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