Evidence supporting the use of: Xanthophyll
For the body system: Eyes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Xanthophylls, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, are carotenoid pigments found in high concentrations in the macula of the human retina. Their use for eye health is primarily supported by scientific research. Numerous epidemiological and interventional studies have demonstrated that higher dietary intake and supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. These xanthophylls act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals, and as blue-light filters, protecting retinal tissues from phototoxic damage.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), a large, multi-center randomized trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute, found that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin could further reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD, especially in individuals with low dietary intake of these carotenoids. Other clinical trials and meta-analyses have corroborated these findings, showing modest but statistically significant improvements in macular pigment optical density and visual performance among supplement users.
While not all studies show strong effects, the overall body of evidence supports the use of xanthophylls for maintaining eye health and reducing the risk of certain degenerative eye conditions. Therefore, their use in eye health supplements has a robust scientific basis.
Other ingredients that support Eyes
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dioneAcetyl L-carnitine
Alchornea
Algae
algal oil
Alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
apricot
Aronia melanocarpa
astaxanthin
avocado
barbary matrimony vine
bee products
Beef liver
berry
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
bilberry
bioflavonoids
black currant
blackberry
Blakeslea trispora
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
cantaloupe
capsanthin
Carnosine
carotene (unspecified)
carrot
Celosia
chickweed
Chinese Ligustrum berry
chrysanthemum
citicoline
cocklebur
cod liver oil
cornflower
Cornus
crocetin
crocin
Crypthecodinium
cryptoxanthin
currant
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Dunaliella salina
egg
eicosapentaenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
ergothioneine
Eyebright
Fagopyrum
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish
fish oil
flavoglycosides
flavonoids
flavonols
fruit
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
Gac
gamma-carotene
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Glutathione
goji berry
gooseberry
Haematococcus pluvialis
haliotis
herbal blend (proprietary)
huckleberry
hyaluronic acid
Idebenone
kale
L-carnosine
L-taurine
Ligustrum
lipids
lutein
Lycium
marigold
Marine fat
Marine lipid
Melatonin
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Morus
Mulberry
N-Acetyl Carnosine
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
Phaffia rhodozyma
pine bark
Polygonum
polyphenols
polyunsaturated fat
proanthocyanidins
procyanidol
pumpkin
Pycnogenol
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose
rue
rutin
saffron
Salmon Oil
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
Spanish Needle
spinach
Tagetes
Taurine
Tea
trace minerals
Triphala
Troxerutin
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
Xanthophyll
Zeaxanthin
Zinc
