Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is is one of the two carotenoids contained within the retina and has been associated with good eye health in anti aging regimens, and it is also an flavonoid antioxidant compound.

Zeaxanthin belongs to a group of bioflavonoids known as carotenoids, a group that is further divided into two groups: carotenes and xanthophylls.

Zeaxanthin is one of the xanthophylls, which are found mostly in dark, leafy green vegetables.

From natural food sources, the best sources for the compound are greens, kale, and spinach and other dark, leafy green vegetables.

There is another important antioxidant flavonoid associated with eye health, Lutein. While Zeaxanthin is concentrated in the central macula of the eye, Lutein predominates the peripheral retina.

This is why many use these two compounds together, and many supplements have them on the same pill, for best overall eye health effects.

Zeaxanthin - Studies

Macular pigments lutein and zeaxanthin as blue light filters studied in liposomes. Junghans A, Sies H, Stal W. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2001 Jul 15:391(2):160-4

Biologic mechanisms of the protective role of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye. Krinsky NI, Landrum JT, Bone RA, Annu Rev Nutr. 2003;23:171-201. Feb 27, 2003

Lutein and zeaxanthin status and risk of age-related macular degeneration, Gale CR, Hall NF, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003 Jun;44(6):2461-5

Effect of dietary zeaxanthin on tissue distribution of zeaxanthin and lutein in quail. Toyoda Y, Thomson LR, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002 Apr;43(4):1210-21

Elevated retinal zeaxanthin and prevention of light-induced photoreceptor cell death in quail. Thomson LR, toyoda Y, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2002 Nov;43(11):3538-49.


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