Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Vision Defender M.A.C. Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Intelligent Formula

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Vision Defender M.A.C. is a dietary supplement by Intelligent Formula with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye health, age-related macular degeneration, cataract prevention.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Zeaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Vision Defender M.A.C. by Intelligent Formula

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

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Vision Defender M.A.C. contains three active ingredients: lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin. All three are carotenoids (plant pigments that your eye uses to filter light and protect itself).

These are the same compounds found naturally in leafy greens and other colorful produce, and they're included here in concentrated form. The product also contains inactive ingredients—marigold extract, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, brown rice flour, rice extract blend, and rice—which serve as capsule material and fillers.

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: Macular health and eye antioxidant support.
  • 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).

Lutein is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, but the evidence for other conditions it's been studied in—retinitis pigmentosa, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia—suggests it's not effective for those. Zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are both possibly effective for AMD as well.

For other uses like cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, asthma, and breast cancer, the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate them one way or the other.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin

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.

Lutein from food and typical supplement doses is generally well tolerated; trials have used doses up to 20 mg daily without adverse effects reported. Zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are also generally well tolerated at typical supplement amounts.

All three ingredients are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation based on the data we hold. That said, while food sources of these compounds are fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough research on concentrated supplement doses in those situations—talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or nursing and want to use this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin

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 an antidiabetes drug (a medication to lower blood sugar), talk to your pharmacist before starting Vision Defender M.A.C. The zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin in it might theoretically increase the effect of your medication and raise your risk of low blood sugar, though real-world evidence for this is mixed.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a reasonable option if you're concerned about age-related macular degeneration or cataracts and want to try a lutein-zeaxanthin supplement. If you take a diabetes medication, check with your pharmacist first because of the theoretical risk of low blood sugar.

Otherwise, it's generally well tolerated.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 20, 2024.

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 Vision Defender M.A.C., straight from the product label.

Brand Intelligent Formula
Barcode (UPC) 5060456060053
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 20, 2024
DSLD ID 316340
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 Vision Defender M.A.C. by Intelligent Formula, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
5060456060053
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutein10 mg--
Zeaxanthin2 mg--
Meso-Zeaxanthin10 mg--

Other ingredients: Marigold Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Brown Rice Flour, Rice extract Blend, Rice

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

Macular Antioxidant Carotenoids Contains all 3 macular carotenoids: Lutein, Zeaxanthin & Meso-Zeaxanthin

Dietary supplement containing meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Food Supplement

Food Supplement

Formulation

Suitable for Vegans

Contains no added salt, yeasts, flavourings, colourings, preservatives or animal derivatives.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Quality Product Made in UK

General Statements

VisionDefender.co.uk

Please Recycle Save more, get more... Scan the QR code or visit VisionDefender.co.uk/SAVE

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Convenient one-a-day dose Directions: Take one (1) capsule daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Swallow with a little liquid, preferably at mealtimes.

Precautions

Do not exceed the recommended intake unless advised by a suitably qualified person. Do not use as a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle.

Pregnant or lactating women should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Ensure tamper evident seal is unbroken before purchasing

Store in a cool, dry place and out of sight and reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place and out of sight and reach of children.

See for yourself

Vision Defender M.A.C. by Intelligent Formula label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Vision Defender M.A.C. by Intelligent Formula

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 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.

Lutein

No known
interactions
10 mg per serving

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

Lutein 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

Meso-Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
10 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...

Meso-Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Marigold Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Brown Rice Flour, Rice extract Blend, Rice. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Vision Defender M.A.C. by Intelligent Formula Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Vision Defender M.A.C.?

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
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Vision Defender M.A.C. 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.

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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Vision Defender M.A.C., from the product label.

Intelligent Formula

See all Intelligent Formula products
Name
Intelligent Formula OU
Street Address
Harju maakond
City
Tallinn
State
Kesklinna Iinnaosa
ZipCode
Tartu mnt 67/1-1
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Vision Defender M.A.C. by Intelligent Formula: Common Questions

Does Vision Defender M.A.C. by Intelligent Formula interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Vision Defender M.A.C. has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Vision Defender M.A.C. 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 actually help with macular degeneration?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are both rated possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which means there's some evidence they help—but it's not definitive. If you're at risk for AMD or have early changes, it's worth discussing with your eye doctor whether a product like this fits your plan.
What are lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin?
They're carotenoids—plant pigments that accumulate in your eye and act like natural sunglasses, filtering out damaging light and protecting the cells that let you see. You get small amounts from leafy greens and colorful produce; this supplement gives you a concentrated dose.
Is it safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
All three ingredients are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation based on available data. But the research on concentrated supplement doses—not just food amounts—is limited in those situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or nursing so they can give you personalized advice.
Will it cause side effects?
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are generally well tolerated at typical supplement amounts. No serious adverse effects are documented in our data, and lutein at doses up to 20 mg daily caused no reported harm in trials.
What about cataracts—does it help with those too?
Lutein is rated possibly effective for cataracts, meaning there's some evidence it might help, but the evidence isn't strong enough to promise results. If you're interested in cataracts prevention or slowing, it's a reasonable thing to talk over with your eye doctor.
Can I take this with other supplements?
The data we hold only covers interactions with medications, not other supplements. Your pharmacist can help you check for potential interactions with anything else you're taking.

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

Not sure if Vision Defender M.A.C. is safe with your meds?

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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.

Vision Defender M.A.C. label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Vision Defender M.A.C.'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 6 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.

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 →

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 →

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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