Ingredient Repository · Ingredient

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Ingredient

Zeaxanthin

A macular plant antioxidant that concentrates in the central retina to protect eyes from blue light.

What it is

Zeaxanthin is a natural plant antioxidant closely related to lutein, extracted from marigold flowers or paprika. While lutein protects the outer eye, zeaxanthin concentrates directly in the very centre of your retina (the fovea).

It acts as an optical blue-light filter, protecting your central vision from digital screen glare and light strain.

Also known as: Marigold extract zeaxanthin

Key benefits

  • Concentrates in the centre of your eye retina to filter harmful blue light from screens and sun.
  • Protects sensitive eye cells against light-induced everyday wear and tear on your cells and fatigue.
  • Supports sharp central vision, contrast sensitivity, and glare comfort in bright environments.

Amplified by probiotics

As a fat-soluble nutrient, zeaxanthin depends on digestive bile and healthy fats for gut absorption. Friendly gut bacteria help maintain balanced bile acids, enabling your body to absorb zeaxanthin efficiently. Probiotics also nourish the gut lining and keep it healthy, ensuring that zeaxanthin enters your bloodstream smoothly and reaches your retinal eye tissues.

Typical dose

2–5 mg/day

The evidence

Evidence: strong

Human studies like the AREDS2 study show that zeaxanthin, paired with lutein, builds protective macular pigment density and supports long-term visual clarity as you age. (AREDS2 Research Group 2013, JAMA) (Chew EY 2022, JAMA Ophthalmol)

  1. AREDS2 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. PubMed ↗
  2. Bhosale P, Bernstein PS. A Mechanistic Review of β-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin in Eye Health. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2020;696:108669. PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Zeaxanthin is very safe and well tolerated in clinical studies up to 5 mg per day or higher. Safe for daily long-term use, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.