Zeaxanthin is a bioflavonoid (or flavonoid), which is a type pigment found in almost all herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Bioflavonoids provide the body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, and are one of the main reasons fruits and vegetables are so healthy to eat. Zeaxanthin belongs to a group of bioflavonoids known as carotenoids, a group that is further subdivided into two groups: carotenes and xanthophylls. Zeaxanthin is one of the xanthophylls, which are found most abundantly in dark, leafy green vegetables, and are crucial to the good health of the eyes. The retina of the eye actually contains a lot of zeaxanthin, which is why it is so important to include this carotenoid in your diet. Zeaxanthin helps protect the eye from ultra-violet (UV) damage, and prevents free-radical damage to the retina and the lens of the eye that is associated with diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.

What is Zeaxanthin?

Zeaxanthin is one of the two carotenoids contained within the retina of the eye. Within the central macula, zeaxanthin is the dominant component, whereas in the peripheral retina, lutein predominates.

Where is it Found?
Zeaxanthin is abundant in a number of yellow/orange fruits and vegetables such as mango, papaya, peaches, prunes, acorn squash, winter squash, and oranges. Egg yolks are the richest source and also contain a large amount of zeaxanthin. Although zeaxanthin may be obtained from certain fruits and vegetables, the isolation of zeaxanthin from berries of Lycium Chinese Mill (LCM berries) proves to be most economical. In Marigold flowers lutein is the major carotenoid and is normally accompanied by about 3-6% zeaxanthin; in LCM berries zeaxanthin is the major carotenoid and is completely free from lutein. In both of these plants, lutein and zeaxanthin are esterified with fatty acids such as lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids.

Benefits / Uses
Zeaxanthin benefits include keeping the eye healthy by increasing the level of the macular pigment in the eye. The macular pigment degenerates with age, but it increases by ingesting zeaxanthin, which contains this ingredient. In a study by Schepens Eye Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, people older than 60 with high macular pigment density tested the same as younger subjects.

Dosage
There is no daily-recommended allowance of zeaxanthin, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, but it is a good idea to follow the recommendations for eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Because most fruits and vegetables contain zeaxanthin you should consume a large portion of this bioflavonoid in your daily diet.

Possible Side-Effects / Precautions / Possible Interactions
There are no known side-effects or negative interactions of Zeaxanthin with other drugs. And preliminary human volunteer trials have shown no negative interaction with other fat-soluble vitamins. Individuals exceeding the maximum daily-recommended dosage for adults (10mg) and who are fair skinned could see some yellow-golden coloration of the skin. If you take Zeaxanthin supplements over time, they will help. It has clearly been established that the macula draws zeaxanthin right into its center, where the highest-energy light is absorbed and the sharpest images processed.

Research Studies / References