Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is lutein's inseparable partner: they are the only two dietary carotenoids that concentrate in the retina.

What is zeaxanthin?

It is a pigment from the xanthophyll family, with a structure almost identical to lutein. Its name comes from "Zea mays", corn, one of the foods richest in it.

Zeaxanthin and the macula

In the macula, zeaxanthin predominates in the centre (the fovea) and lutein in the periphery. Together they form the macular pigment, which absorbs part of the high-energy blue light and acts as an antioxidant in the retina. The most studied combination is 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin a day (AREDS2, 2013). Zeaxanthin has no authorised health claims in the European Union.

Which foods contain zeaxanthin?

Corn, orange peppers, goji berries, saffron, leafy greens and egg yolk. As it is fat-soluble, it is better absorbed with some fat.

Dose and how to take it

Studies usually use 2 mg a day together with 10 mg of lutein. At IVB, Anti-OX Global provides exactly that combination through Lutemax®.

Safety

It is very safe at usual supplement doses. With high, prolonged doses of carotenoids a yellowish skin tint may appear, which is harmless and reversible.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between lutein and zeaxanthin?

They are two almost identical carotenoids. Zeaxanthin concentrates in the centre of the macula and lutein around it. That is why they are usually taken together.

What is zeaxanthin used for?

It is part of the eye's macular pigment, which filters some blue light. It has no authorised health claims in the EU.

References

1. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group. Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the AREDS2 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2013;309(19):2005-2015.
2. Eisenhauer B, Natoli S, Liew G, Flood VM. Lutein and zeaxanthin: food sources, bioavailability and dietary variety in age-related macular degeneration protection. Nutrients. 2017;9(2):120.