Zeaxanthin

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Zeaxanthin
- Macular zeaxanthin
- (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin

Latin Name: N/A (chemical compound, not a plant)

Category: Other Supplement (Carotenoid)

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Not traditionally used as an isolated supplement
• Historically consumed through diet in foods like egg yolks, corn, and colorful vegetables
• Traditional diets rich in orange and yellow vegetables were associated with good vision in various cultures

Modern Uses

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Prevention - Protects the macula from oxidative damage and harmful light | Research quality: Strong
• Key findings: People with AMD have on average 70% less zeaxanthin in their eyes than those with healthy vision; AREDS 2 trial demonstrated benefit for reducing progression

• Source citations: AREDS 2 Trial; Brewer - Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Cataract Prevention - Reduces oxidative stress in the lens | Research quality: Strong

• Key findings: AREDS 2 trial found significant reduction in cataract risk and surgery rates, particularly in those with lower dietary intake

• Source citations: Moyad - The Supplement Handbook; AREDS 2 Trial

• Night Vision Improvement - Helps with contrast sensitivity and glare reduction | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Shown to improve night vision, especially helping with contrast and glare sensitivity

• Source citations: Curtis - Neals Yard Remedies

• Blue Light Protection - Filters short-wavelength light that can damage retinal cells | Research quality: Strong

• Key findings: Zeaxanthin absorbs blue light, providing a natural filter against screen exposure and sunlight damage

• Source citations: Moline - The Doctors Book of Natural Health Remedies

• Skin Photoprotection - May protect skin from UV and light damage | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in skin and may provide protection against damaging light rays
• Source citations: Moline - The Doctors Book of Natural Health Remedies

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Zeaxanthin (xanthophyll carotenoid) - Provides photoprotection by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant in retinal tissue
- Available in free form (non-esterified) and esterified forms - both absorb similarly

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Capsule (often combined with lutein)
- Amount: 2 mg per day
- Frequency: Once daily with food

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsule (combined formulations)
- Amount: 2-4 mg zeaxanthin (typically with 10-20 mg lutein)
- Purpose: Eye health support, AMD prevention
- Duration: Long-term daily use; studies demonstrate benefit over 1-2 years

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: No established upper limit, but most research uses 2-4 mg
- Warning threshold: Excessive intake may cause harmless skin yellowing

Bioavailability Notes:
- Fat-soluble; absorption significantly increased when taken with a meal containing fat
- Medications that block fat absorption (e.g., Orlistat) reduce zeaxanthin uptake
- Free form and esterified forms show similar absorption rates

How to Take It

Timing:
- Take with a meal containing healthy fats for optimal absorption
- Morning or evening with food is acceptable
- Consistent daily timing recommended for best results

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Lutein - Primary partner carotenoid; both are concentrated in the macula and work together for comprehensive eye protection | Standard ratio is 5:1 lutein to zeaxanthin
2. Vitamin C (500 mg) - Part of AREDS 2 formula; provides additional antioxidant protection for eye tissues | Enhanced oxidative protection
3. Vitamin E (400 IU) - Works synergistically as a fat-soluble antioxidant | Protects cell membranes in the eye
4. Zinc (25-80 mg) - Essential for retinal function and enzyme activity in the eye | Part of proven AREDS 2 protocol
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - May enhance absorption and provide complementary eye support | Improved bioavailability when consumed with fats

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Beta-carotene (in high doses) - May compete for absorption; AREDS 2 replaced beta-carotene with lutein/zeaxanthin due to lung cancer risk in smokers

Drug Interactions:
1. Orlistat (Alli, Xenical) - Fat-blocking weight loss drug significantly reduces zeaxanthin absorption | Take at different times or avoid combination | Severity level: Moderate
2. Other Fat Absorption Blockers - Any medication reducing fat absorption will decrease zeaxanthin uptake | Reduced efficacy | Severity level: Moderate

Food Interactions:
- Low-fat meals - Significantly reduces absorption; always take with dietary fat
- Mineral oil - May interfere with carotenoid absorption

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (not adequately studied)
- Known hypersensitivity to carotenoids

Side Effects:
- Common: Generally well-tolerated with no significant side effects in clinical trials
- Rare: Carotenodermia (harmless yellowing of the skin) with high intake; resolves when supplementation is reduced

Long-Term Use:
- Safety demonstrated in 1-2 year clinical trials (AREDS 2)
- No evidence of toxicity with prolonged use at recommended doses
- No cycling required
- Monitoring recommendation: Eye doctor can measure macular pigment optical density to track effectiveness

Special Precautions:
- Women who are overweight may metabolize eye-protective carotenoids more slowly
- Those with fat malabsorption conditions may have reduced uptake
- Consult healthcare provider before surgery

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) prevention, cataract prevention, macular health support, blue light protection

Secondary: Night vision improvement, eye strain reduction, skin photoprotection

Sources

Local Library:
- Moyad, Mark - The Supplement Handbook
- Curtis, Susan - Neals Yard Remedies
- Moline, Peg - The Doctors Book of Natural Health Remedies
- Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins
- Balch, Phyllis - Prescription for Herbal Healing
- Weil, Andrew - Eating Well for Optimum Health
- McIntyre, Anne - The Complete Herbal Tutor
- Mars, Brigitte - The Country Almanac of Home Remedies

General Knowledge:
- AREDS 2 Clinical Trial (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2)
- National Eye Institute research