Evidence supporting the use of: Zeaxanthin
For the body system: Eyes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in high concentrations within the macula of the human retina. Scientific research supports its use for eye health, particularly in relation to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies—including randomized controlled trials—have investigated the role of zeaxanthin (often alongside lutein) in supporting visual function and protecting against AMD progression. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), a large, multi-center clinical trial, found that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD in individuals at high risk. Mechanistically, zeaxanthin acts as an antioxidant and helps filter harmful high-energy blue light, thus protecting retinal cells from oxidative stress and light-induced damage.
While most studies focus on zeaxanthin in combination with lutein, the specific role of zeaxanthin has been increasingly recognized, given its higher concentration in the central macula (fovea) compared to lutein. Scientific consensus indicates that dietary intake or supplementation of zeaxanthin can increase the macular pigment optical density, which is associated with improved visual performance and possible reduction in the risk of AMD. However, while evidence is strong for AMD risk reduction, there is less direct evidence for other eye conditions.
In summary, there is substantial scientific validation for zeaxanthin’s use in supporting the eye, particularly for macular health and protection against age-related degeneration, earning a high evidence rating.
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
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