Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid found in the human eye. Carotenoids are fat-soluble and colorful antioxidants, typically:

• bright red
• yellow
• orange

Zeaxanthin belongs to the carotenoid class of pigments called xanthophylls. It’s found in high concentrations in light-exposed structures in both plants and the human eye.

Zeaxanthin is concentrated in the center of the retina, while lutein is found in the peripheral regions. Together, they form the macular pigment of the eye.

The most studied functions of carotenoids — including zeaxanthin — are vision and their role in human eye health and the reduced risk of eye disease.

Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress caused by highly reactive molecules called free radicals, or oxidants. They reduce levels of free radicals and inflammation in the body.

The overproduction of free radicals and chronic inflammation in the body is associated with the development of diseases such as:

Exposure to blue light waves may increase the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in the eyes, potentially threatening eye health.

Research from 2020 suggests that zeaxanthin may reduce oxidative stress and damage in the eye by absorbing blue light, possibly reducing inflammation and the risk of eye disease.

Many studies demonstrate that zeaxanthin plays an important role in eye health throughout your life span. It’s associated with a lower risk of age-related eye disease, including:

Zeaxanthin’s antioxidant properties help:

A diet rich in zeaxanthin and other antioxidants may increase the density of the macular pigment and is associated with a lower risk of eye disease.

• cognition
• movement coordination
• decision making

More research on the relationship between zeaxanthin, cognition, and Alzheimer’s disease is needed before drawing conclusions.

Some symptoms of skin aging include:

Zeaxanthin may offer a range of other health benefits, including:

• Protecting kidney health: Low levels of xanthophyll carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, are associated with an increased risk of kidney disease.
• Treating liver disease: Zeaxanthin dipalmitate, derived from goji berries, may protect the liver by reducing inflammation and helping prevent scars underlying liver disease. Scientists are exploring it as a potential therapeutic drug.
• Improving intercellular communication: Zeaxanthin and carotenoids may influence intercellular (cell-to-cell) communication. More research is needed in this area.

Most of zeaxanthin’s well-studied benefits regard vision and eye health. Research examining its role in other parts of the body is currently limited.

There isn’t a daily recommended dietary intake or allowance for zeaxanthin. It’s difficult to consume high levels through diet alone. The average daily dietary intake of zeaxanthin and lutein combined is thought to be no more than 3 mg in Western diets.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS/AREDS2) suggest that supplements containing 2 mg of zeaxanthin and 10 mg lutein may reduce your risk of developing advanced AMD by 25%.

Taking zeaxanthin supplements may increase the density of the macular pigment in the eye. A 2021 systematic review found that taking combined lutein and zeaxanthin at higher doses (at least 20 mg per day) may increase macular pigment density.

Zeaxanthin is an essential nutrient for protecting your eyes from damage. It’s fat-soluble and a member of the carotenoid family.

It’s one of three carotenoids in the human eye that absorb harmful blue light. It offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

You can consume zeaxanthin from your diet by consuming various whole foods or supplements.

There’s no recommended daily intake of zeaxanthin. More research is needed to determine the safe and beneficial dosages for humans.