What is zeaxanthin?
Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid, a natural pigment found in plants and colored fruits and vegetables. It's a powerful antioxidant and plays an important role in eye health.
We cannot produce zeaxanthin ourselves and must therefore obtain it from food or supplements.
Vitamin for your eyes
Although zeaxanthin isn't strictly a vitamin, it plays a vital role in eye health, along with lutein. It's therefore sometimes called the eye vitamin.
These substances occur naturally in high concentrations in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision.
Zeaxanthin and lutein help your eyes by:
- Prevent retinal damage as antioxidants
- Filter blue light (which helps protect light-sensitive cells)
Scientific research
In a meta-analysis of 46 studies, including 3,189 participants, it was found that an intake of ≥20 mg per day of lutein/zeaxanthin helps reduce the risk of AMD (an age-related disease of the macula) by 11%. (1) [1]
This is a common cause of vision loss in the elderly.
Zeaxanthin supplements
Our bodies can't produce zeaxanthin on their own. This means you have to get it through your diet. If this isn't possible (temporarily), you can take a zeaxanthin supplement.
These supplements are available in capsule or tablet form and are often combined with other natural substances that contribute to the health of your eyes, such as lutein.
Marigold
Zeaxanthin in supplements is often extracted from marigold (Calendula officinalis), known from calendula ointment.
But marigold has more to offer: it contains various plant compounds (phytochemicals). Marigold extract consists of only 1% zeaxanthin, but also contains lutein, saponins, flavonoids, and triterpenes.
This mixture makes the extract a versatile source of useful substances.
The Tagetes erecta extract
In our high-quality multivitamin Multi Premium, we use Tagetes erecta extract, a natural and rich source of zeaxanthin and lutein.
Compared to other sources, such as egg yolks or green leafy vegetables, this extract is special because it specifically provides these two substances in a high concentration.
In addition, the extract comes from a sustainable and environmentally friendly source.
How do you use zeaxanthin?
Zeaxanthin is fat-soluble, meaning it is generally better absorbed when taken with a meal that contains fat.
Zeaxanthin and lutein
Zeaxanthin and lutein are very similar in structure (only the arrangement of the atoms is different).
They enhance each other's effects and therefore often occur in combination, both in nature and in supplements.
Effect as antioxidants
Both are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against unstable molecules called free radicals.
Too many free radicals can damage cells in the body and cause so-called oxidative stress.
As antioxidants, zeaxanthin and lutein can help:
- To protect proteins , fats and DNA from oxidative damage.
- In the recycling of glutathione, another important antioxidant in the body.
Zeaxanthin in your diet
As I mentioned before, zeaxanthin is found in a variety of natural food sources.
While a zeaxanthin extract in a supplement offers a high concentration of active ingredients, these foods are also a good and natural source of zeaxanthin:
- Vegetables : Spinach, kale, corn, bell pepper, sweet potato and pumpkin
- Fruit: Mango, tangerines and kiwi
- Egg yolks: Contain easily absorbable zeaxanthin
- Algae : Spirulina and Dunaliella salina
Sources used
- Wilson, L.M., Tharmarajah, S., Jia, Y., Semba, R.D., Schaumberg, D.A., & Robinson, K.A. (2021b). The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Advances in Nutrition , 12 (6), 2244–2254. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmab071
