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Dietary supplement

Maximum Strength Opti Gold Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Botanic Choice

Maximum Strength Opti Gold label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Maximum Strength Opti Gold 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: Major

Maximum Strength Opti Gold is a dietary supplement by Botanic Choice with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy), blood sugar support in diabetes, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 770 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin A, Bilberry 4:1 extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice

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 Aug 20, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 6 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Maximum Strength Opti Gold contains six active ingredients. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant your body makes naturally; these capsules supply it to support metabolic health.

Zeaxanthin and lutein (sold as FloraGLO Lutein) are carotenoids that concentrate in your eyes and are tied to vision and eye health. Vitamin A supports everything from immune function to skin and vision.

Taurine is an amino acid that plays roles in heart, liver, and neurological function. Bilberry 4:1 extract concentrates the fruit's beneficial compounds, primarily anthocyanidins.

The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose. The remaining ingredients—rice flour, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, modified food starch, sucrose, corn starch, silica, alpha-tocopherol, glucose syrup, and sodium ascorbate—are inactive ingredients that help form, stabilize, and preserve the capsule.

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: Premium vision support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy, macular health, blue light protection — and 1 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 evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve pain and cholesterol management, and possibly effective for weight management.

Zeaxanthin is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration but the data is insufficient to rate it for cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, asthma, breast cancer, or lung health in premature infants. Vitamin A is effective for vitamin A deficiency and possibly effective for oral leukoplakia, aging skin, measles, ulcerative colitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Taurine is possibly effective for hepatitis and congestive heart failure, but possibly ineffective for obesity. Lutein is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, but the data doesn't support it for retinitis pigmentosa, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bilberry extract shows insufficient evidence for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, or chronic venous insufficiency, and is possibly ineffective for night vision. Overall, the strongest evidence sits with vitamin A deficiency and the eye-health claims for zeaxanthin and lutein.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-lipoic Acid Zeaxanthin Vitamin A Taurine Lutein Bilberry

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 5 of the 6 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 6 of 6.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 6 of 6.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Alpha-lipoic acid is generally well tolerated but can lower blood sugar, so it's best used under medical guidance. Most common side effects are headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Serious adverse effects are rare but include reports of an unusual autoimmune condition affecting insulin in cases of oral use. Zeaxanthin and lutein are both generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses.

Vitamin A is safe at recommended amounts, but high doses accumulate in your body and can cause toxicity—serious effects are rare but include liver damage, increased brain pressure, and even coma. Taurine is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though long-term safety is less certain; most common effects are constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Bilberry is well tolerated; common effects include dark-colored stools, gas, and gastrointestinal discomfort. For pregnancy: alpha-lipoic acid should be avoided due to insufficient safety data.

Vitamin A at high doses (especially retinol) can cause birth defects and should be avoided, though recommended amounts are needed. Zeaxanthin, lutein, and taurine are considered likely safe in pregnancy at typical doses, though supplement safety for zeaxanthin and lutein beyond dietary amounts isn't well studied.

Bilberry is considered likely safe. For breastfeeding: alpha-lipoic acid should be avoided due to insufficient data, and bilberry concentrate should be avoided as well.

Zeaxanthin, lutein, and taurine are considered likely safe or have some data from natural breast milk content, though high supplement doses aren't well studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual pregnancy or breastfeeding situation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Alpha-lipoic Acid Zeaxanthin Vitamin A Taurine Lutein Bilberry

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 6 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bilberry, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Vitamin A, Taurine, Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 771 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.

Before taking Maximum Strength Opti Gold, double-check any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin)—this product may increase bleeding risk through its alpha-lipoic acid and bilberry. Also confirm you're not on retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin), thyroid hormone replacement, tetracycline antibiotics, liver-stressing drugs, blood pressure medications, lithium, chemotherapy drugs (alkylating agents or antitumor antibiotics), diabetes medications, or erlotinib—all carry documented Moderate interactions, and retinoids carry a Major one.

If any of these apply, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Maximum Strength Opti Gold targets eye health and metabolic support with ingredients that have some research backing—particularly for macular degeneration and diabetic nerve pain. However, the interaction profile is substantial: anyone taking blood thinners, blood pressure meds, diabetes medications, thyroid replacement, or any retinoid acne or anti-aging drug needs to clear this with their own doctor or pharmacist first.

The vitamin A content alone rules it out for high-dose use alongside certain medications. If you're healthy, take no regular medications, and aren't pregnant or breastfeeding, the ingredients are generally well tolerated, but check your exact medication list before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 6 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2019.

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 Maximum Strength Opti Gold, straight from the product label.

Brand Botanic Choice
Barcode (UPC) 703308821550
Net contents 60 Vege Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2019
DSLD ID 199893
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
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 Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice, 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:
2 Vege Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vege Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
703308821550
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Alpha Lipoic Acid25 mg--
Zeaxanthin2 mg--
Vitamin A10000 IU200%
Taurine200 mg--
FloraGLO Lutein20 mg--
Bilberry 4:1 extract120 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, modified Food Starch, Sucrose, Corn Starch, Silica, DL-Alpha-Tocopherol, Glucose Syrup, Sodium Ascorbate

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Trusted since 1910 Premium formula Premium vision support

Formula

FloraGLO Lutein

Seals/Symbols

Gluten free Non GMO

Formulation

Gluten free Non GMO

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 2 vege capsules once daily, as a dietary supplement, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions

Warning: If you are taking any medications or are pregnant or nursing do not use prior to consulting a physician.

For your protection, this container has an outer safety seal. (Do not accept if missing or broken.)

Keep out of reach of children

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

FloraGLO is a registered trademark of Kemin Industries, Inc.

IBG Indiana Botanic Gardens

General

C-109082

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

See for yourself

Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice label

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

Maximum Strength Opti Gold 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 Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vege Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
25 mg per serving

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

Alpha Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
2 mg per serving

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The stron...

Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Vitamin A

Interacts with
387 drugs
10000 IU per serving Form: Beta-Carotene

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplemen...

Vitamin A monograph & interactions

Taurine

Interacts with
173 drugs
200 mg per serving

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements,...

Taurine monograph & interactions

FloraGLO Lutein

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving Form: Marigold

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...

FloraGLO Lutein monograph & interactions

Bilberry 4:1 extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
120 mg per serving

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye healt...

Bilberry 4:1 extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, Modified Food Starch, Sucrose, Corn Starch, Silica, DL-Alpha-Tocopherol, Glucose Syrup, Sodium Ascorbate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Maximum Strength Opti Gold?

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
770Drugs
9 Major 761 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin A 387
Bilberry 4:1 extract 275
Alpha Lipoic Acid 263
Taurine 173
Zeaxanthin 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Maximum Strength Opti Gold interact with 770 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 6 ingredients in Maximum Strength Opti Gold interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin A Bilberry 4:1 extract Alpha Lipoic Acid Taurine Zeaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Maximum Strength Opti Gold 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.

Vitamin A4 drug types · 387 drugs

Retinoids

Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, could have additive toxic effects when taken with vitamin A supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is the highest level of intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Doses of vitamin A above the UL can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from elevated liver enzymes to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking tetracycline antibiotics with high doses of vitamin A can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri.
Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) can occur with tetracyclines and with acute or chronic vitamin A toxicity. Case reports suggest that taking tetracyclines and vitamin A concurrently can increase the risk of this condition. Avoid high doses of vitamin A in people taking tetracyclines chronically.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, high doses of vitamin A could increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Vitamin A toxicity is associated with hemorrhage and hypoprothrombinemia, possibly due to vitamin K antagonism. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid doses of vitamin A above the tolerable upper intake level of 10,000 IU/day for adults.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Vitamin A full monograph & interactions

Bilberry 4:1 extract4 drug types · 275 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, animal, and clinical research suggest that anthocyanidin extracts from bilberry can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry leaf or fruit extract may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that bilberry leaf extract might have blood glucose-lowering activity. Also, one small clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking bilberry fruit extract 470 mg as a single dose prior to an oral glucose tolerance test lowers plasma glucose levels when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Animal research shows that exposure to small concentrations of bilberry extract in drinking water for around one month increased CYP2E1 activity by 31%. However, exposure over a 2-month period did not increase CYP2E1 activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Erlotinib (Tarceva)

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might reduce the efficacy of erlotinib.
In vitro research suggests that bilberry fruit extract and its constituents, delphinidin and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, inhibit the activity of erlotinib. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bilberry 4:1 extract full monograph & interactions

Alpha Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Alpha Lipoic Acid full monograph & interactions

Taurine2 drug types · 173 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taurine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical evidence suggests that taurine can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taurine might reduce excretion and increase plasma levels of lithium.
Taurine is thought to have diuretic properties, which might reduce the excretion of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Taurine full monograph & interactions

Zeaxanthin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking zeaxanthin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In an animal diabetic model, zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic effects. However, population research has found that increasing intake of dietary zeaxanthin plus lutein does not decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Zeaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Maximum Strength Opti Gold, from the product label.

Botanic Choice

See all Botanic Choice products
Name
Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.
City
Hobart
State
IN
ZipCode
46342
Phone Number
1-800-644-8327
Web Address
www.botanicchoice.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice: Common Questions

Does Maximum Strength Opti Gold by Botanic Choice interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Maximum Strength Opti Gold has a known interaction with 770 medications, including 9 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Maximum Strength Opti Gold contains 6 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 alpha-lipoic acid, and what's it supposed to do?
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant your body produces naturally. In this product, it's included because research suggests it's possibly effective for diabetic nerve pain, high cholesterol, and weight management. It can lower blood sugar, so use it under medical guidance if you have diabetes or take blood sugar medications.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data differs by ingredient. Alpha-lipoic acid should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient information. Vitamin A at high doses can cause birth defects and should be avoided in pregnancy, though normal recommended amounts are needed—your doctor can advise you. Zeaxanthin, lutein, taurine, and bilberry are considered likely safe at typical supplement doses, but supplement safety beyond dietary amounts isn't fully studied during breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What are the most common side effects?
Alpha-lipoic acid most commonly causes headache, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting. Taurine may cause constipation, diarrhea, or indigestion. Bilberry often causes dark-colored stools, gas, or stomach discomfort. Zeaxanthin and lutein have not reported common adverse effects at typical doses. Serious side effects are rare across all ingredients.
Will this help my eyesight?
Two ingredients here target eye health: zeaxanthin and lutein are both possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and lutein is possibly effective for cataracts. However, the evidence isn't strong enough to say it will reverse vision loss or prevent all eye conditions—talk with your eye doctor about whether this fits your specific situation.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Most ingredients are generally well tolerated, but long-term safety data is limited for taurine and bilberry extract. Vitamin A can build up in your body at high doses and cause toxicity over time, so you should not exceed recommended amounts. If you plan to take this regularly for months or longer, check in with your pharmacist or doctor.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The capsule contains vegetable cellulose and several fillers and binders: rice flour, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, modified food starch, sucrose, corn starch, silica, alpha-tocopherol, glucose syrup, and sodium ascorbate. These help form and preserve the capsule but don't provide the active benefit.

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.

Maximum Strength Opti Gold label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Maximum Strength Opti Gold’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Interacts with 263 drugs

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help...

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with 86 drugs

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The strongest evidence relates to slowing progres...

Read the full Zeaxanthin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin A

Interacts with 387 drugs

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplements are mainly useful for correcting a tr...

Read the full Vitamin A monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Taurine

Interacts with 173 drugs

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements, and short-term use appears generally sa...

Read the full Taurine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lutein

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help slow progression of age-related macular...

Read the full Lutein monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bilberry

Interacts with 275 drugs

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye health, circulation, and mild diarrhea. While...

Read the full Bilberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Maximum Strength Opti Gold'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 120 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.

Alpha-lipoic Acid 48 references
  1. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  2. Anon. Alpha-lipoic acid. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:308-10.
  3. Konrad T, Vicini P, Kusterer K, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid treatment decreases serum lactate and pyruvate concentrations and improves glucose effectiveness in lean and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 1999;22:280-7. PubMed
  4. Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A 3-week, multicentre randomized controlled trial (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia 1995;38:1425-33.
  5. Gleiter CH, Schreeb KH, Freudenthaler S, et al. Lack of interaction between thioctic acid, glibenclamide and acarbose. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1999;48:819-25. PubMed
  6. Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Tritschler HJ, et al. Improvement of insulin-stimulated glucose-disposal in type 2 diabetes after repeated parenteral administration of thioctic acid. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabet 1996;104:284-8. PubMed
  7. Jacob S, Henriksen EJ, Schiemann AL, et al. Enhancement of glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid. Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45:872-4.
  8. Jacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, pilot trial. Free Rad Biol Med 1999;27:309-14.
  9. Segermann J, Hotze A, Ulrich H, Rao GS. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine and on serum lipid-, protein- and glucose levels. Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:1294-8.
  10. Beitner H. Randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoaging of facial skin. Br J Dermatol 2003;149:841-9.
  11. Ziegler D, Nowak H, Kempler P, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A meta-analysis. Diabet Med 2004;21:114-21.
  12. Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
  13. Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
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Zeaxanthin 4 references
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Vitamin A 31 references
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Taurine 21 references
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Lutein 2 references
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  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

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Bilberry 14 references
  1. Cignarella A, Nastasi M, Cavalli E, Puglisi L. Novel lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves, a traditional antidiabetic treatment, in several models of rat dyslipidaemia: a comparison with ciprofibrate. Thromb Res 1996;84:311-22. PubMed
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  14. Bøhn SK, Myhrstad MCW, Thoresen M, et al. Bilberry/red grape juice decreases plasma biomarkers of inflammation and tissue damage in aged men with subjective memory impairment -a randomized clinical trial. BMC Nutr 2021;7(1):75. PubMed

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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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