Zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin
Snapshot
Zeaxanthin is a dietary carotenoid concentrated in the retinaโs macula, where it filters harmful blue light, supports visual performance, and protects against oxidative damage.
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What is Zeaxanthin?
Zeaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid found in high concentrations in the central retina (macula lutea). Along with lutein, it forms the macular pigment that absorbs blue light and quenches reactive oxygen species to maintain retinal health.
Where It Comes From
Dietary sources include orange and yellow fruits (corn, orange peppers), green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), egg yolks, and goji berries. Supplements often provide a 5:1 luteinโtoโzeaxanthin ratio to mimic natural ocular concentrations.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides pure zeaxanthin, which integrates into retinal cell membranes, and works synergistically with lutein to stabilize membrane structure and absorb highโenergy light.
Health Benefits
Zeaxanthin enhances visual acuity and contrast sensitivity by increasing macular pigment density; protects photoreceptor cells from blueโlightโinduced oxidative stress; and may reduce risk of ageโrelated macular degeneration progression by neutralizing free radicals in the retina.
Recommended Dosage
Supplemental dosing ranges from 2โฏmg to 10โฏmg of zeaxanthin daily, often combined with 10โ20โฏmg lutein. Higher macular pigment optical density gains are typically seen after at least 6โ12โฏmonths of consistent intake.
How to Use It
Take zeaxanthin supplements with a meal containing dietary fat to enhance absorption. For combined ocular support, use formulations that include lutein and supporting antioxidants (vitaminโฏC, vitaminโฏE, zinc).
Who Should Use It?
Ideal for individuals seeking to support eye health, those with low dietary intake of carotenoids, computer users exposed to blue light, and anyone at risk for ageโrelated macular degeneration.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Generally well tolerated. Highโdose carotenoid supplementation may cause skin yellowing (carotenodermia) but is reversible. Consult a healthcare provider if on lipidโlowering medications, as fatโmalabsorption disorders may impair carotenoid uptake.
Final Thoughts
Zeaxanthin is a pivotal macular pigment component that filters blue light and quenches retinal oxidative stress. Longโterm supplementation, particularly alongside lutein, supports visual function and may protect against degenerative eye diseases.
Scientific Studies
BoneโฏRA, LandrumโฏJT, FriedesโฏLM, etโฏal. Macular pigment response to supplemental zeaxanthin. Exp Eye Res. 2000;71(3):239โ245. https://doi.org/10.1006/exer.2000.0877
RicherโฏS, StilesโฏW, StatkuteโฏL, etโฏal. Doubleโmasked placeboโcontrolled study of lutein and zeaxanthin in patients with atrophic ageโrelated macular degeneration. Optometry. 2004;75(10):735โ759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optm.2004.05.009
MaโฏL, LinโฏXM, ZouโฏZY, etโฏal. Lutein and zeaxanthin in eye and skin health. J Sci Food Agric. 2013;93(1):7โ12. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.5771