What is zeaxanthin good for?
Paprika, maize corn, saffron and goji berries all attribute their vivid colors to zeaxanthin, although there are many other examples, and the compound is also directly responsible for the taste and aroma of saffron itself. The name for Zeaxanthin is actually derived from a combination of "Zea mays", the most common species of maize corn, and "xanthos", which is the Greek word for yellow.
Zeaxanthin's role in eye health
There is a growing body of research around zeaxanthin and other carotenoids and eye health, both for healthy vision and for conditions of the eyes. It is thought this is due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content, as inflammation and oxidative stress feature in many eye conditions.Some of the most common eye conditions include age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, cataracts and glaucoma.
Being exposed to blue light waves is thought to increase the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in the eyes, which is why blue light appears in this research. Research has looked at zeaxanthin's ability to absorb this blue light, as well as at macular pigment density, and at inflammation and disease progression in the eyes.
Zeaxanthin's role in skin health
Much like other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene, zeaxanthin is studied for its role in relation to ultraviolet radiation on the skin.When should I take zeaxanthin?
Zeaxanthin is a fat-soluble compound, which means that it should be taken with a meal, ideally one that contains dietary fat, in order for the body to absorb it properly and get the most out of it.
What else pairs well with zeaxanthin?
Also taken with lutein, for eye health and antioxidants
Lutein is the usual companion to zeaxanthin when the aim is eye health and antioxidants, and the pair is kept together for exactly that reason.What are natural sources of zeaxanthin?
If you are interested in obtaining your daily zeaxanthin through your diet, you can often find it in:
Possible side effects of zeaxanthin
Possible side effects from taking zeaxanthin supplements may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Yellow skin at high carotenoid load
If you are experiencing negative side effects from taking zeaxanthin supplements, stop taking them immediately and reach out to your trusted healthcare professional.
Can I take zeaxanthin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Zeaxanthin has no pregnancy requirement of its own, and there are currently no human pregnancy trials of a zeaxanthin supplement, so it is best to avoid it until further research surfaces.
Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional while pregnant or breastfeeding, or while attempting to conceive.
Where should I store zeaxanthin?
Zeaxanthin is another carotenoid, normally sold as a softgel alongside lutein with the pigment held in oil. The bottle lasts longer when stored in the fridge. If you notice a capsule that has turned soft and sticky while in the cupboard, that can mean that it has been stored too warm.
Zeaxanthin data sources & further reading
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