Zeaxanthin
OTHER NAME(S): zeaxanthin
Overview
Zeaxanthin is a nutrient found in egg yolks and many fruits and vegetables. It is also available over the counter as a supplement, which seems to be well tolerated. When combined with certain nutrients in specific amounts, zeaxanthin may be helpful in people with an eye condition known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is also interest in using it to improve general eye health, but its benefits are not well defined. Before taking zeaxanthin, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.
Uses
What is zeaxanthin used for?
Zeaxanthin is used along with other nutrients for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also used to improve general eye health, although its benefits for this use are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed zeaxanthin for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does zeaxanthin work (mechanism of action)?
Zeaxanthin is a type of nutrient known as a carotenoid. It has a bright yellow-to-red color and is found in many colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as egg yolks. It is also found in dark, leafy greens and some other green vegetables. Most dietary supplements that contain zeaxanthin are made from marigold flowers.
Zeaxanthin and another carotenoid called lutein play an important role in the function of your eyes. When you eat foods that contain these carotenoids, they collect in the lens, retina, and macula of your eyes. As a result, zeaxanthin has gained popularity for improving eye health. Although its benefits for general eye health are not well defined, there is evidence that it may be helpful for a condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Research shows that taking a specific combination of ingredients that contains zeaxanthin may help protect vision in people with AMD and reduce their risk of developing a more severe form of the condition. The combination, known as AREDS2, provides specific amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. People who do not get enough carotenoids from their diet may benefit the most from taking this supplement.
How should I store zeaxanthin?
You should store zeaxanthin as directed on the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of zeaxanthin?
Zeaxanthin seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what its common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of zeaxanthin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of zeaxanthin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of zeaxanthin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Zeaxanthin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking zeaxanthin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use zeaxanthin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take zeaxanthin.
- Zeaxanthin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific zeaxanthin products they stock.
What should I know about zeaxanthin before using it?
Zeaxanthin is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep zeaxanthin out of the reach of children.
Taking large amounts of carotenoids regularly for a long time can cause your skin to turn yellow-orange (carotenoderma). As a carotenoid, zeaxanthin may increase your risk of skin color changes. This change is not harmful and should go away if you reduce the amount of carotenoids in your diet and in the supplements you are taking.
Zeaxanthin is a type of carotenoid. Some carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are known as provitamin A carotenoids because your body can turn them into vitamin A. But your body does not turn zeaxanthin into vitamin A, and zeaxanthin does not help raise your vitamin A levels.
Dietary supplements that contain zeaxanthin often contain other nutrients as well, including lutein and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ). MZ is not the same as zeaxanthin, but it also plays an important role in eye function. Your body naturally makes MZ from lutein. It does not seem to turn MZ into zeaxanthin or vice versa. Taking MZ will not increase your levels of zeaxanthin.
The FDA has not tested zeaxanthin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using zeaxanthin?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if zeaxanthin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Allergies to Marigolds and Certain Plants.Many zeaxanthin supplements are made from marigolds, which are flowers in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. People who have an allergy to marigolds or other plants in this family may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to products made from marigolds. Some other common plants in the Asteraceae family include arnica, echinacea, chamomile, yarrow, ragweed, asters, and chrysanthemums. If you have an allergy to one of these plants, talk to your health care provider before taking zeaxanthin products made from marigolds.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how zeaxanthin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Zeaxanthin is a normal part of breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take zeaxanthin while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does zeaxanthin interact with foods or drinks?
You should take zeaxanthin with food or a meal that has fat in it. Zeaxanthin is fat-soluble, which means that taking it with fat helps your body absorb it.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect zeaxanthin.
Does zeaxanthin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between zeaxanthin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with zeaxanthin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking zeaxanthin with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much zeaxanthin?
If you or someone else has used too much zeaxanthin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Zeaxanthin is often combined with other nutrients. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take zeaxanthin safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- DermNet: “Carotenoderma,” “Marigold.”
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]: “Carrot.”
- EFSA Journal: “Scientific opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to a combination of lutein and zeaxanthin and improved vision under bright light conditions,” “Statement on the safety of synthetic zeaxanthin as an ingredient in food supplements,” “Scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to zeaxanthin and maintenance of normal vision.”
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: “Vitamin A and Carotenoids Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.”
- Nutrients: “Lutein and zeaxanthin and their roles in age-related macular degeneration – neurodegenerative disease.”
- Progress in Retinal and Eye Research: “Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin: the basic and clinical science underlying carotenoid-based nutritional interventions against ocular disease.”