Evidence supporting the use of: Cryptoxanthin
For the health condition: Eyesight (poor)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cryptoxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment found in various fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, oranges, and red peppers. As a provitamin A carotenoid, cryptoxanthin can be converted by the body into retinol (vitamin A), which is vital for maintaining healthy vision. Vitamin A plays a direct role in the visual cycle, particularly in the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that is necessary for low-light (scotopic) vision. Deficiencies of vitamin A are known to lead to visual impairment, including night blindness and, in severe cases, complete blindness.

While most of the research and clinical recommendations regarding eye health focus on other carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin's role as a vitamin A precursor provides a scientific rationale for its potential benefit in supporting vision, particularly in populations at risk for vitamin A deficiency. However, there are relatively few direct studies examining cryptoxanthin supplementation specifically for improving eyesight or preventing common eye diseases (such as age-related macular degeneration or cataracts) in well-nourished populations. The available evidence suggests it can contribute to visual health primarily through its role in vitamin A metabolism, but it is not considered a primary therapeutic agent for eye disorders.

Overall, the scientific evidence supporting cryptoxanthin for eyesight is modest (rated 2/5), with its benefits mostly inferred from its vitamin A activity rather than from direct clinical trials assessing its effects on vision in humans.

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