Zeaxanthin - Promoting Eye Health and Vision

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, plays a vital role in maintaining eye health. It helps protect the eyes from oxidative damage and age-related macular degeneration.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available in health stores and online retailers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Zeaxanthin FAQ


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What are the side effects of zeaxanthin?

Researchers have found no side effects from or negative interactions with zeaxanthin. Although, people with fair skin may develop a yellowish coloration of the skin if they exceed the maximum daily recommended dosage for adults (10 mg).

Where are zeaxanthin and lutein found?

You can find zeaxanthin and lutein in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and animal products, such as egg yolks ( 1, 2, 3, 4 ). They belong to the carotenoid class of pigments called xanthophylls, and they’re found in high concentrations in light-exposed structures in both plants and the human eye ( 1, 2, 3, 4 ).

What are xanthophylls & zeaxanthin?

Xanthophylls such as zeaxanthin are found in highest quantity in the leaves of most green plants, where they act to modulate light energy and perhaps serve as a non-photochemical quenching agent to deal with triplet chlorophyll (an excited form of chlorophyll) which is overproduced at high light levels during photosynthesis.

Is zeaxanthin good for Your Eyes?

So far, scientists have explored most of zeaxanthin’s benefits regarding vision and eye health. Research examining its role in other parts of the body is currently scant. Zeaxanthin may protect kidney health, maintain homeostasis in the body, and even become a therapeutic drug for liver disease.

Zeaxanthin References

If you want to know more about Zeaxanthin, consider exploring links below:

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