When you are trying to learn about an adequate zeaxanthin dosage, information is hard to come by. The experts do not seem to agree about how much is enough to reduce your risk of age-related eye diseases. One of the things that they do agree about is that this single nutrient is not a miracle pill.

Every time researchers learn something new about a nutrient and the media gets involved, new supplement manufacturers appear on the scene. Often their websites contain videos from TV news stories or talk shows. In the US, supplement manufacturers are prohibited from making misleading statements, but media reports can be just as misleading.

Resveratrol is a perfect example. You may have seen news reports about how that antioxidant is responsible for the health benefits of red wine. Supplements containing just that single ingredient are being touted as "anti-aging" formulas.

While there is no doubt that resveratrol is a potent antioxidant, new research has shown that it could not be the only compound responsible for the health benefits of red wine, because the amount present is too low and it is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Researchers have concluded that the benefit is more likely due to all of the different antioxidants found in the skins of red grapes. Those include proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, as well as resveratrol.

When it comes to the health of the eyes, a zeaxanthin dosage is not the only important nutrient. The eyes need lutein, anthocyanins, beta-carotene, glucosamine, n-acetyl cysteine, B12, B2 and l-carnosine. A deficit in any of these nutrients could result in poor vision and age-related eye diseases.

A lutein and zeaxanthin dosage is most commonly recommended because they are the primary pigments found in the retina. In age-related macular degeneration or AMD, there are inadequate amounts of these nutrients circulating in the bloodstream. Low circulating levels are also associated with high cholesterol, which in turn is a risk factor for AMD. A well-designed multi-nutritional supplement can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce other risk factors for the disease.

If you have tried health supplements in the past and been disappointed by the results, the problem was probably the manufacturer, not the nutrient itself. Most manufacturers, particularly suppliers of the cheap multi-vitamins on the market, use synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals.

There have never been any studies comparing the efficacy of natural vitamins versus synthetic ones. But, natural health experts are firm in their belief that the synthetics are not good for you. Many of them are made from petroleum. You may as well call them plastic vitamins.

If they do include the natural form of the nutrient, they often do not include enough. One of the more expensive eye health supplements on the market contains a zeaxanthin dosage of less than 1mg. That might be enough for a child, but for an older adult, at least 10mg per day would be necessary.

The latest studies indicate that the most effective formula for countering AMD is a combination of antioxidants, not a single zeaxanthin dosage. It just isn't enough.