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Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is a yellow-orange plant pigment in the carotenoid family, occurring alongside lutein in foods such as corn and egg yolk.

Organ FunctionLongevityHair & Skin

Who may benefit from an AREDS2 formula?

AREDS formulas can delay progression from intermediate to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This concerns people who already have relevant eye disease, not prevention in healthy eyes. In an AREDS2 comparison, replacing beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin lowered progression risk; the result belongs to the combination, not zeaxanthin alone. 1

Can it improve visual performance?

A 2024 network meta-analysis included 38 trials. Lutein plus zeaxanthin improved recovery after bright-light exposure, and several antioxidant combinations improved macular pigment density and contrast sensitivity. The authors rated evidence quality as low because of indirect comparisons and possible publication bias: these signals do not establish a reliable benefit for every user. 2

Why is it studied for skin?

A placebo-controlled trial tested oral and topical lutein/zeaxanthin against measures including hydration, elasticity and lipid oxidation. Combined oral and topical treatment gave the strongest antioxidant protection. This is an interesting combination-product finding, without isolating zeaxanthin or establishing prevention of skin aging. 3

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

All studies

6 publications are linked to Zeaxanthin, newest first.

Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Functions: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2024An Overview on the Effects of Some Carotenoids on Health: Lutein and Zeaxanthin.2024Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation attenuates inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative cardiovascular processes in humans.2024The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2021Effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on aspects of eye health.2010Beneficial Long-Term Effects of Combined Oral/Topical Antioxidant Treatment with the Carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Human Skin: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2007

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