ZEAXANTHIN: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings

ZEAXANTHIN

Other Names:

3,3'-Dihydroxy-beta-carotene, (3R,3'R)-Beta,beta-carotene-3,3'-diol, (3R, 3'R)-Zeaxanthin, (3R,3'S)-Beta,beta-carotene-3,3'- diol, (3R, 3'S)-Zeaxanthin, (3S,3'S)-Beta,beta-carotene-3,3'- diol, (3S, 3'S)-Zeaxanthin, 13-Cis-Zeaxanthin, All-E-Zeaxa...
See All Names

Review this Treatment See Brand Products

ZEAXANTHIN Overview Information

Zeaxanthin is a type of organic pigment called a carotenoid. It's related to vitamin A and found in the human eye (macula and retina) along with lutein.

Zeaxanthin is thought to function as a light filter, protecting the eye tissues from sunlight damage. Foods rich in zeaxanthin include eggs, oranges, grapes, corn, goji berries, mango, orange pepper, and some other vegetables and fruits.

People use zeaxanthin for age-related vision loss. It's also used for eye strain, mental decline, heart disease, breast cancer, cataracts, and many other conditions, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

ZEAXANTHIN Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for:

An eye disease that leads to vision loss in older adults (age-related macular degeneration or AMD). Taking zeaxanthin by mouth as part of a combination product that also contains lutein seems to help improve vision in people with AMD. But it's not clear if taking zeaxanthin without lutein helps.

There is interest in using zeaxanthin for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

ZEAXANTHIN Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Zeaxanthin is likely safe when used in doses up to 2 mg daily. It is possibly safe when taken in larger doses. Doses up to 10 mg daily seem to be safe when used for up to 1 year.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Zeaxanthin is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if zeaxanthin is safe to use as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Children: Zeaxanthin is possibly safe when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts. A specific product (LUTEINofta, SOOFT Italia SpA) containing zeaxanthin 0.0006 mg daily has been safely used in infants for 36 weeks.

ZEAXANTHIN Interactions

Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ZEAXANTHIN
Zeaxanthin might lower blood sugar levels. Taking zeaxanthin along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

ZEAXANTHIN Dosing

Zeaxanthin is found in many foods, with orange pepper being the richest source. Other sources include egg yolks, corn, red grapes, oranges, honeydew melon, and mango.

Zeaxanthin is also taken in supplements, typically along with lutein. It's most often been used by adults in doses of 2 mg by mouth daily, for up to 4.8 years. Zeaxanthin is absorbed best when it's taken with a high-fat meal. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product or dose might be best for a specific condition.

View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement Sources

References:

Bates, C. J., Chen, S. J., Macdonald, A., and Holden, R. Quantitation of vitamin E and a carotenoid pigment in cataractous human lenses, and the effect of a dietary supplement. Int J Vitam.Nutr Res. 1996;66(4):316-321. View abstract.

Connolly, E. E., Beatty, S., Loughman, J., Howard, A. N., Louw, M. S., and Nolan, J. M. Supplementation with all three macular carotenoids: response, stability, and safety. Invest Ophthalmol.Vis.Sci. 2011;52(12):9207-9217. View abstract.

Coyne, T., Ibiebele, T. I., Baade, P. D., Dobson, A., McClintock, C., Dunn, S., Leonard, D., and Shaw, J. Diabetes mellitus and serum carotenoids: findings of a population-based study in Queensland, Australia. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;82(3):685-693. View abstract.

Dani, C., Lori, I., Favelli, F., Frosini, S., Messner, H., Wanker, P., De, Marini S., Oretti, C., Boldrini, A., Massimiliano, C., Bragetti, P., and Germini, C. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm infants to prevent retinopathy of prematurity: a randomized controlled study. J.Matern.Fetal Neonatal Med. 2012;25(5):523-527. View abstract.

Goltz, S. R., Campbell, W. W., Chitchumroonchokchai, C., Failla, M. L., and Ferruzzi, M. G. Meal triacylglycerol profile modulates postprandial absorption of carotenoids in humans. Mol.Nutr.Food Res. 2012;56(6):866-877. View abstract.

Hammond, B. R., Jr. and Fletcher, L. M. Influence of the dietary carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin on visual performance: application to baseball. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2012;96(5):1207S-1213S. View abstract.

Handelman, G. J., Nightingale, Z. D., Lichtenstein, A. H., Schaefer, E. J., and Blumberg, J. B. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma after dietary supplementation with egg yolk. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 1999;70(2):247-251. View abstract.

Ito, Y., Wakai, K., Suzuki, K., Ozasa, K., Watanabe, Y., Seki, N., Ando, M., Nishino, Y., Kondo, T., Ohno, Y., and Tamakoshi, A. Lung cancer mortality and serum levels of carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols, and folic acid in men and women: a case-control study nested in the JACC Study. J Epidemiol. 2005;15 Suppl 2:S140-S149. View abstract.

Ito, Y., Wakai, K., Suzuki, K., Tamakoshi, A., Seki, N., Ando, M., Nishino, Y., Kondo, T., Watanabe, Y., Ozasa, K., and Ohno, Y. Serum carotenoids and mortality from lung cancer: a case-control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) study. Cancer Sci. 2003;94(1):57-63. View abstract.

Ma, L., Dou, H. L., Huang, Y. M., Lu, X. R., Xu, X. R., Qian, F., Zou, Z. Y., Pang, H. L., Dong, P. C., Xiao, X., Wang, X., Sun, T. T., and Lin, X. M. Improvement of retinal function in early age-related macular degeneration after lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Am.J.Ophthalmol. 2012;154(4):625-634. View abstract.

Ma, L., Dou, H. L., Wu, Y. Q., Huang, Y. M., Huang, Y. B., Xu, X. R., Zou, Z. Y., and Lin, X. M. Lutein and zeaxanthin intake and the risk of age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107(3):350-359. View abstract.

Ma, L., Yan, S. F., Huang, Y. M., Lu, X. R., Qian, F., Pang, H. L., Xu, X. R., Zou, Z. Y., Dong, P. C., Xiao, X., Wang, X., Sun, T. T., Dou, H. L., and Lin, X. M. Effect of lutein and zeaxanthin on macular pigment and visual function in patients with early age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology 2012;119(11):2290-2297. View abstract.

Malila, N., Virtamo, J., Virtanen, M., Pietinen, P., Albanes, D., and Teppo, L. Dietary and serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and retinol, and risk for colorectal cancer in male smokers. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 2002;56(7):615-621. View abstract.

Palombo, P., Fabrizi, G., Ruocco, V., Ruocco, E., Fluhr, J., Roberts, R., and Morganti, P. Beneficial long-term effects of combined oral/topical antioxidant treatment with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin on human skin: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol.Physiol 2007;20(4):199-210. View abstract.

Piermarocchi, S., Saviano, S., Parisi, V., Tedeschi, M., Panozzo, G., Scarpa, G., Boschi, G., and Lo, Giudice G. Carotenoids in Age-related Maculopathy Italian Study (CARMIS): two-year results of a randomized study. Eur.J.Ophthalmol. 2012;22(2):216-225. View abstract.

Rapp, L. M., Maple, S. S., and Choi, J. H. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in rod outer segment membranes from perifoveal and peripheral human retina. Invest Ophthalmol.Vis.Sci. 2000;41(5):1200-1209. View abstract.

Richer, S. P., Stiles, W., Graham-Hoffman, K., Levin, M., Ruskin, D., Wrobel, J., Park, D. W., and Thomas, C. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zeaxanthin and visual function in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 973. Optometry. 2011;82(11):667-680. View abstract.

Romagnoli, C., Giannantonio, C., Cota, F., Papacci, P., Vento, G., Valente, E., Purcaro, V., and Costa, S. A prospective, randomized, double blind study comparing lutein to placebo for reducing occurrence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity. J.Matern.Fetal Neonatal Med. 2011;24 Suppl 1:147-150. View abstract.

Schalch, W., Cohn, W., Barker, F. M., Kopcke, W., Mellerio, J., Bird, A. C., Robson, A. G., Fitzke, F. F., and van Kuijk, F. J. Xanthophyll accumulation in the human retina during supplementation with lutein or zeaxanthin - the LUXEA (LUtein Xanthophyll Eye Accumulation) study. Arch.Biochem.Biophys. 2-15-2007;458(2):128-135. View abstract.

Sommerburg, O. G., Siems, W. G., Hurst, J. S., Lewis, J. W., Kliger, D. S., and van Kuijk, F. J. Lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with photoreceptors in the human retina. Curr.Eye Res. 1999;19(6):491-495. View abstract.

Takeda, S., Masuda, Y., Usuda, M., Marushima, R., Ueji, T., Hasegawa, M., and Maruyama, C. Effects of mayonnaise on postprandial serum lutein/zeaxanthin and beta-carotene concentrations in humans. J.Nutr.Sci.Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 2009;55(6):479-485. View abstract.

van der Horst-Graat JM, Kok, F. J., and Schouten, E. G. Plasma carotenoid concentrations in relation to acute respiratory infections in elderly people. Br J Nutr 2004;92(1):113-118. View abstract.

Yagi, A., Fujimoto, K., Michihiro, K., Goh, B., Tsi, D., and Nagai, H. The effect of lutein supplementation on visual fatigue: a psychophysiological analysis. Appl.Ergon. 2009;40(6):1047-1054. View abstract.

Akuffo KO, Beatty S, Peto T, et al. The Impact of Supplemental Antioxidants on Visual Function in Nonadvanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Head-to-Head Randomized Clinical Trial. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017;58(12):5347-5360. View abstract.

Anderson MJ, Romaguera D, Saint-Amour D, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin intake during pregnancy and visual function in offspring at 11-12 years of age. Nutrients 2022;14(4):872. View abstract.

Bernstein PS, Li B, Vachali PP, Gorusupudi A, Shyam R, Henriksen BS, Nolan JM. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin: The basic and clinical science underlying carotenoid-based nutritional interventions against ocular disease. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2016;50:34-66. View abstract.

Bonds DE, Harrington M, Worrall BB, et al. Effect of long-chain ?-3 fatty acids and lutein + zeaxanthin supplements on cardiovascular outcomes: results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2014 May;174(5):763-71. View abstract.

Bovier ER, Hammond BR. A randomized placebo-controlled study on the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on visual processing speed in young healthy subjects. Arch Biochem Biophys 2015;572:54-57. View abstract.

Chen F, Hu J, Liu P, Li J, Wei Z, Liu P. Carotenoid intake and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies. Ann Hematol 2017;96(6):957-65. View abstract.

Chen J, Jiang W, Shao L, Zhong D, Wu Y, Cai J. Association between intake of antioxidants and pancreatic cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2016;67(7):744-53. View abstract.

Chew EY, Clemons TE, Agrón E, et al . Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2015 Aug 25;314(8):791-801. View abstract.

Chew EY, Clemons TE, Agrón E, et al. Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ?-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report 28. JAMA Ophthalmol 2022. View abstract.

Chew EY, Clemons TE, SanGiovanni JP, et al. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group. Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2013;309(19):2005-2015. View abstract.

Chew EY, SanGiovanni JP, Ferris FL, et al. Lutein /zeaxanthin for the treatment of age-related cataract: AREDS2 randomized trial report no. 4. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Jul;131(7):843-50. View abstract.

Cota F, Costa S, Giannantonio C, Purcaro V, Catenazzi P, Vento G. Lutein supplementation and retinopathy of prematurity: a meta-analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020:1-6. Online ahead of print. View abstract.

Cui YH, Jing CX, Pan HW. Association of blood antioxidants and vitamins with risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013;98(3):778-86. View abstract.

Edwards CG, Walk AM, Thompson SV, et al. Dietary lutein plus zeaxanthin and choline intake is interactively associated with cognitive flexibility in middle-adulthood in adults with overweight and obesity. Nutr Neurosci 2021. View abstract.

Edwards JA. Zeaxanthin: Review of Toxicological Data and Acceptable Daily Intake. J Ophthalmol 2016;2016:3690140. View abstract.

Forman MR, Beecher GR, Lanza E, et al. Effect of alcohol consumption on plasma carotenoid concentrations in premenopausal women: a controlled dietary study. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62(1):131-5. View abstract.

Ge XX, Xing MY, Yu LF, et al. Carotenoid intake and esophageal cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2013;14(3):1911-8. View abstract.

Glabska D, Guzek D, Zakrzewska P, Lech G. Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin as a Possible Factor Influencing Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Caucasian Individuals with Ulcerative Colitis in Remission Phase. J Clin Med 2019;8(1):77. View abstract.

Goodman GE, Schaffer S, Omenn GS, et al. The association between lung and prostate cancer risk, and serum micronutrients: results and lessons learned from beta-carotene and retinol efficacy trial. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2003;12:518-26. View abstract.

Green-Gomez M, Prado-Cabrero A, Moran R, et al. The Impact of Formulation on Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and meso-Zeaxanthin Bioavailability: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020;9(8):767. View abstract.

Hammond BR Jr, Miller LS, Bello MO, Lindbergh CA, Mewborn C, Renzi-Hammond LM. Effects of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Supplementation on the Cognitive Function of Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front Aging Neurosci 2017;9:254. View abstract.

Hammond BR Jr, Wooten BR, Snodderly DM, et al. Density of the human crystalline lens is related to the macular pigment carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Optom Vis Sci 1997;74:499-504. View abstract.

Hempel J, Fischer A, Fischer M, et al. Effect of aggregation form on bioavailability of zeaxanthin in humans: a randomised cross-over study. Br J Nutr 2017;118(9):698-706. View abstract.

Huang YM, Dou HL, Huang FF, Xu XR, Zou ZY, Lin XM. Effect of supplemental lutein and zeaxanthin on serum, macular pigmentation, and visual performance in patients with early age-related macular degeneration. Biomed Res Int 2015;2015:564738. View abstract.

Johnson EJ, Hammond BR, Yeum KJ, et al. Relation among serum and tissue concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin and macular pigment density. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1555-62.. View abstract.

Juturu V, Bowman JP, Deshpande J. Overall skin tone and skin-lightening-improving effects with oral supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2016;9:325-332. View abstract.

Kang T, Liu Y, Chen X, et al. Dietary carotenoid intake and risk of developing preeclampsia: a hospital-based case-control study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022;22(1):427. View abstract.

Kelly ER, Plat J, Haenen GR, Kijlstra A, Berendschot TT. The effect of modified eggs and an egg-yolk based beverage on serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations and macular pigment optical density: results from a randomized trial. PLoS One 2014;9(3):e92659. View abstract.

Kim MK, Ahn SH, Lee-Kim. Relationship of serum alpha-tocopherol, carotenoids and retinol with the risk of breast cancer. Nutr Res 2001;21:797-809.

Koonsvitsky BP, Berry DA, et al. Olestra affects serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids but not vitamin D or vitamin K status in free-living subjects. J Nutr 1997;127:1636S-45S. View abstract.

Korobelnik JF, Rougier MB, Delyfer MN, et al. Effect of Dietary Supplementation With Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and ?-3 on Macular Pigment: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol 2017;135(11):1259-1266. View abstract.

Kotagiri SR, Morde A, Rai D, et al. Superior bioavailability of a novel lutein and zeaxanthin formulation in healthy human subjects. Ophthalmol Ther 2022;11(4):1463-1477. View abstract.

Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. View abstract.

Lai JS, Veetil VO, Lanca C, et al. Maternal lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in relation to offspring visual acuity at 3 years of age: The GUSTO Study. Nutrients 2020;12(2):274. View abstract.

Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. View abstract.

Lin H, Mares JA, LaMonte MJ, et al. Association between Dietary Xanthophyll (Lutein and Zeaxanthin) Intake and Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2017;24(5):311-322. View abstract.

Liu R, Wang T, Zhang B, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and association with visual function in age-related macular degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Dec 16;56(1):252-8. Review. View abstract.

Liu XH, Yu RB, Liu R, et al. Association between lutein and zeaxanthin status and the risk of cataract: a meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2014 Jan 22;6(1):452-65. View abstract.

Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. The effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on cognitive function in adults with self-reported mild cognitive complaints: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Front Nutr 2022;9:843512. View abstract.

Loughman J, Loskutova E, Butler JS, Siah WF, O'Brien C. Macular pigment response to lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation in open-angle glaucoma: A randomized controlled trial. Ophthalmol Sci 2021;1(3):100039. View abstract.

Ma L, Hao ZX, Liu RR, et al. A dose-response meta-analysis of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in relation to risk of age-related cataract. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2014 Jan;252(1):63-70. View abstract.

Ma L, Liu R, Du JH, et al. Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation associated with macular pigment optical density. Nutrients 2016;8(7). pii: E426. View abstract.

Mahmassani HA, Switkowski KM, Johnson EJ, et al. Early childhood lutein and zeaxanthin intake is positively associated with early childhood receptive vocabulary and mid-childhood executive function but no other cognitive or behavioral outcomes in project viva. J Nutr 2022;152(11):2555-64. View abstract.

Mahmassani HA, Switkowski KM, Scott TM, et al. Maternal intake of lutein and zeaxanthin during pregnancy is positively associated with offspring verbal intelligence and behavior regulation in mid-childhood in the project viva cohort. J Nutr 2021;151(3):615-627. View abstract.

Männistö S, Yaun SS, Hunter DJ, et al. Dietary carotenoids and risk of colorectal cancer in a pooled analysis of 11 cohort studies. Am J Epidemiol 2007;165(3):246-55. View abstract.

Manzoni P, Guardione R, Bonetti P, et al. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm very low-birth-weight neonates in neonatal intensive care units: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Am J Perinatol. 2013 Jan;30(1):25-32. View abstract.

Mewborn CM, Lindbergh CA, Hammond BR, Renzi-Hammond LM, Miller LS. The Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Brain Morphology in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Aging Res 2019;2019:3709402. View abstract.

Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. View abstract.

Nolan JM, Power R, Howard AN, et al. Supplementation with carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E has a positive effect on the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2022;90(1):233-249. View abstract.

Parisi V, Tedeschi M, Gallinaro G, et al. Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy italian study: multifocal electroretinogram modifications after 1 year. Ophthalmology 2008;115:324-33. View abstract.

Qiu Z, Chen X, Geng T, et al. Associations of serum carotenoids with risk of cardiovascular mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes: Results from NHANES. Diabetes Care 2022;45(6):1453-1461. View abstract.

Renzi-Hammond LM, Bovier ER, Fletcher LM, et al. Effects of a Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intervention on Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Younger Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2017;9(11):1246. View abstract.

Schupp C, Olano-Martin E, Gerth C, et al. Lutein, zeaxanthin, macular pigment, and visual function in adult cystic fibrosis patients. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79 1045-52. View abstract.

Slattery ML, Benson J, Curtin K, et al. Carotenoids and colon cancer. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:575-82. View abstract.

Sommerburg O, Keunen JE, Bird AC, van Kuijk FJ. Fruits and vegetables that are sources for lutein and zeaxanthin: the macular pigment in human eyes. Br J Ophthalmol 1998;82:907-10. View abstract.

Stringham JM, Stringham NT. Serum and retinal responses to three different doses of macular carotenoids over 12 weeks of supplementation. Exp Eye Res 2016;151:1-8. View abstract.

Takeda A, Nyssen OP, Syed A, et al. Vitamin A and carotenoids and the risk of Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroepidemiology. 2014;42(1):25-38. View abstract.

Tan AC, Balaratnasingam C, Yannuzzi LA. Treatment of Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 With Carotenoid Supplements Containing Meso-Zeaxanthin: A Pilot Study. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2016;47(6):528-35. View abstract.

Thurmann PA, Schalch W, Aebischer JC, et al. Plasma kinetics of lutein, zeaxanthin, and 3-dehydro-lutein after multiple oral doses of a lutein supplement. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;82:88-97. View abstract.

Tuzcu M, Orhan C, Muz OE, Sahin N, Juturu V, Sahin K. Lutein and zeaxanthin isomers modulates lipid metabolism and the inflammatory state of retina in obesity-induced high-fat diet rodent model. BMC Ophthalmol 2017;17(1):129. View abstract.

Wilson LM, Tharmarajah S, Jia Y, Semba RD, Schaumberg DA, Robinson KA. The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr 2021. View abstract.

Wu J, Cho E, Willett WC, Sastry SM, Schaumberg DA. Intakes of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Other Carotenoids and Age-Related Macular Degeneration During 2 Decades of Prospective Follow-up. JAMA Ophthalmol 2015;133(12):1415-24. View abstract.

Xu J, Song C, Song X, Zhang X, Li X. Carotenoids and risk of fracture: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Oncotarget 2017;8(2):2391-9. View abstract.

Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. View abstract.

Yu B, Wang J, Suter PM, et al. Spirulina is an effective dietary source of zeaxanthin to humans. Br J Nutr 2012;108(4):611-9. View abstract.

Zhang W, Li W, Du J. Association between dietary carotenoid intakes and the risk of asthma in adults: a cross-sectional study of NHANES, 2007-2012. BMJ Open 2022;12(6):e052320. View abstract.

Zhang Y, Knol LL, Tan L. Association between dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake and metabolic syndrome among US females: An analysis of national health and examination surveys 2015-2018. Curr Dev Nutr 2021;5(10):nzab123. View abstract.

Zhou Y, Wang T, Meng Q, Zhai S. Association of carotenoids with risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis. Clin Nutr 2016;35(1):109-16. View abstract.

Zuniga KE, Bishop NJ, Turner AS. Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with working memory in an older population. Public Health Nutr 2020:1-8. View abstract.

Be the first to share your experience with this treatment.

Learn about User Reviews and read IMPORTANT information about user generated content

Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009.

Today on WebMD