Zeaxanthin is a yellow pigment that predominantly accumulates in the retina of the eyes and naturally occurred in plants such as marigold flower. The concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye is approximately 1,000-fold higher than in other tissues. Zeaxanthin is well known for its eye care benefits. It functions as blue light filter to reduce photo-oxidative damage towards the eyes. Meanwhile, it also helps reduce light scatter and chromatic aberration effect on visual performance².
Zeaxanthin has three stereoisomers form, zeaxanthin (3R,3’R), zeaxanthin-(3S, 3’S) and meso-zeaxanthin (3R,3’S). Meso-zeaxanthin is absent from dietary sources which only can be found in ocular tissues. Another form of zeaxanthin needs to be obtained from dietary sources as human body is unable to synthesise it. Dietary sources of zeaxanthin included egg yolk, goji berries, yellow pepper, sweetcorn and tangerine. The concentration of zeaxanthin in the human body declines due to several factors such as ageing, cigarette smoking, and unhealthy diet.
Zeaxanthin possesses antioxidant properties to scavenge reactive oxygen radicals and suppress lipid peroxidation which contributes to the reduction in risk of AMD. Moreover, zeaxanthin helps to protect photoreceptors from free radical damage caused by blue light due to orientation within the lipid membrane. A study indicates daily intake of 8mg zeaxanthin improves visual acuity, macular pigment optical density, and resolution of scotoma within 1 year among AMD patients compared to placebo³.
Zeaxanthin reduces the risks of age-related cataracts by inhibiting the cumulative oxidation of proteins or lipids within the lens. Studies indicate that every increment of 300μg/day in lutein and zeaxanthin intake is associated with 3% decrease in risk of nuclear cataract⁶.
Research shows that daily intake of 10mg lutein and 2mg zeaxanthin for 12 months improves complex attention and cognitive flexibility among older adults7. Another study was conducted among the young participants (aged 18-30) with the same dose of lutein and zeaxanthin show improvement in spatial memory, reasoning ability and complex attention⁸.
Blue light with the shortest wavelength (400-500nm) penetrates through the entire depth of skin, induce reactive oxygen species and cause free radical damage. Zeaxanthin absorbs blue light and prevent oxidative damage caused by light exposure. Research indicates that females who supplemented with 5mg lutein and 0.3mg zeaxanthin improve skin condition in terms of hydration, elasticity, and photoprotective activity as well as reducing lipid peroxidation compared to placebo¹.
Zeaxanthin is generally well-tolerated. Daily intake up to 8-10mg of zeaxanthin for 12 weeks are apparently safe for consumption³.
Potential interaction with drugs included:
Zeaxanthin is generally well-tolerated. Daily intake up to 8-10mg of zeaxanthin for 12 weeks are apparently safe for consumption³.
Potential interaction with drugs included:
The material is prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a piece of personal medical advice. Owing to each person’s varying health needs, a physician should be consulted before acting on any information provided in this material. Although every effort is made to ensure that this material is accurate, it is compiled for internal use only and should not be considered definitive. Neither VitaHealth nor its employees, or information providers shall be responsible or liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or other defects in the information contained in this publication.
Ziziphus jujuba is the scientific name for jujube or jujuba. It’s more commonly known as a red date, Chinese date, or Chinese Jujube. Ziziphus jujuba
Zeaxanthin is a yellow pigment that predominantly accumulates in the retina of the eyes and naturally occurred in plants such as marigold flower. The concentration
