Zeaxanthin and Eye Health
Scientific evidence indicates a strong correlation between high blood serum levels of zeaxanthin and a reduced risk of cataract formation and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
AMD is the cause of vision loss in more than 25 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 55 years of age. What causes vision loss? It is thought to be the result of a lifetime of oxidative stress which causes photoreceptor death within the macula.
How does zeaxanthin prevent this?
Zeaxanthin acts as a filter by absorbing blue light that initiates generation of oxyradicals that place photo-oxidative stress on the retina. Zeaxanthin acts as an antioxidant by quenching singlet oxygen and reactive radicals that damage photoreceptor cells. Zeaxanthin may be more important than Lutein in the prevention of cataract formation and AMD.
The importance of the role which Zeaxanthin plays in eye health is supported by three important facts:
- The human macula preferentially accumulates zeaxanthin over Lutein.
- In the absence of a sufficient dietary intake of zeaxanthin, the body will convert Lutein to meso-zeaxanthin.
- Zeaxanthin is selectively deposited at the center of the macula where protection from oxidation is most critical.
Filling The Dietary Gap
The body is not capable of synthesizing zeaxanthin on its own. Dietary intake of 6mg/day of the xanthophylls Lutein and Zeaxanthin has been associated with a reduction in the risk of AMD. However, the average daily dietary intake of Zeaxanthin is about 1 – 3 mg. Filling the gap without significant changes in dietary habits calls for a highly bioavailable nutritional supplement like ZeaGold®.
Click here to download the ZeaGold® Chart PDF.
- The only natural zeaxanthin extract derived from paprika (Capsicum anuum) wihich is a whole food source that has GRAS status as designated by the F.D.A.
- Natural form of zeaxanthin (3R, 3'R) commonly referred to as "dietary zeaxanthin." This isomeric form of zeaxanthin is not chemically synthesized from other materials and is found throughout nature.
- Allergen Free, non-GMO, Kosher and Halal Certified.
- Maximum Bioavailability to ensure complete dietary intake for all dietary supplement, food and beverage applications.
- Manufactured and grown in the United States to provide the highest quality product assuring complete control of every production step.
- Chiral analysis by HPLC performed guaranteeing 100% natural isomeric form (3R, 3'R) product.
- Product offered for sale with pass through Intellectual Property License from ZeaVision LLC (www.zeavision.com) for use at 4 mg./dose as a nutrient in dietary supplements, foods and beverages.
Click here to download the ZeaGold® Licensing Agreement PDF.
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Oil Suspension (3% or 10%):
An all natural extract that contains concentrated zeaxanthin in the dietary form from paprika; the only source in the world that is natural, G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized as Safe) and exempt from certification under the C.F.R. (U.S. Code of Federal Regulation) color additve regulations.
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5% Cold Water Soluble Beadlet:
A cold water dispersible beadlet that contains concentrated zeaxanthin in the dietary form from paprika enclosed in a starch matrix. It is the only source in the world that is natural, G.R.A.S. (Generally Recognized as Safe), exempt from certification under the C.F.R. (U.S. Code of Federal Regulation) color additive regulations.
What is zeaxanthin?
Zeaxanthin is one of 600 carotenoid pigments found within nature and has a characteristic yellow-orange color. Among all carotenoids, only 40 have been identified in human serum coming from our diet of fruits and vegetables. The only two carotenoids from our diet that are selectively positioned and concentrated in the macular pigment within the eye are lutein and zeaxanthin.
What is the source of ZeaGold® Zeaxanthin?
ZeaGold® Zeaxanthin is made from paprika (Capsicum anuum) which is a whole food source and certified GRAS as designated by the F.D.A. The unique variety of paprika originated from our extensive crop development program and over 50 years of agricultural research.
Is there a difference between natural and synthetic 3R, 3'R zeaxanthin?
The chemical structures (isomers) are the same, however ZeaGold® zeaxanthin comes from paprika, a natural, whole food source. This source is preferred by consumers looking for a "natural" product. More consumers every year are lookign for opportunities to change their lifes through supplementation using natural ingredients.
ZeaGold® Zeaxanthin is allow in countries that have banned or severely limited the dosage of synthetic zeaxanthin.
How does zeaxanthin promote ocular health?
Zeaxanthin gives both a photo-protective effect and acts as an antioxidant within the macula. The photo-protective effect stems from zeaxanthin's ability to filter harmful blue light that causes photo-oxidative stress on the retina. The antioxidant function protects photoreceptor cells that can be damaged by oxygen and reactive radicals by quenching them.
The selective accumulation and placement of zeaxanthin in the retina and certain other ocular tissues, together with the know photo-protective and antioxidant effects of these carotenoids suggest a protective function. This functionality and the evidence for zeaxanthin's role for ocular healthy is the focus of many reasearch studies.
Is zeaxanthin better than lutein?
Studies suggest that optimum benefits are derived from a combination of zeaxanthin and lutein. Studies further suggest that a supplement containing a ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein that closely replicates the ratio found in blood serum (1 part zeaxanthin: 4 parts Lutein) or in the macula of the eye (2 parts zeaxanthin: 1 part lutein) may be most beneficial.
What is the optimum daily intake of zeaxanthin?
Dietary intake of 6 mgs/day of xanthophylls, including lutein and zeaxanthin has been associated with a reduction in the risk of AMD. However, typical dietary intake varies 1-3 mg based on diet and geographical region. Cosistent concentrations of zeaxanthin cannot be obtained by the diet alone and a nutritional supplement containing as much as 4 mg may be necessary to bridge the dietary gap.
With the AREDS2 trial in-process using a zeaxanthin level of 2.0 mg., many companies are using this as a starting point for evaluation.
How is zeaxanthin labeled in a supplemen or food product?
ZeaGold® Zeaxanthin may be labeled as "Oleoresin Paprika" or "Extractives of Paprika" or "Paprika Extract."
May I make health claims on my label?
Structure/function claims are acceptable. For example, "consumer 4 mg/day to promote ocular health.: This label must also include the FDA disclaimer not intended to treat, diagnone or cure a disease."
How much would it cost me to include suggested levels in may formulation?
The cost of addiing up to 4 mg of ZeaGold® zeaxanthin to a supplement, food or beverage is very minimal; especially when you consider the potential benefits to our health. Talk to your sales representative at Kalsec for more information.
Zeaxanthin Clinical Studies - Major Findings
Market research shows that consumers are more willing to buy products that have extensive clinical studies and research to back up claims. More importantly, this helps illustrate the importance of the efficacy of each ingredient and the role it plays in helping us live a health lifestyle. This upward trend continues in parallel with the consumers need for natural dietary ingredients like ZeaGold® Zeaxanthin.
Carotenoids and more specifically zeaxanthin has been studied for over 25 years looking at its functionality and mechanisms for health improvement. Research involving ocular health, skin health, cognitive function and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will be highlighted below. This important research continues to progress and demonstrate the protective role of zeaxanthin as one of the few carotenoids that has a solid foundation of scientific study and results.
Research continues to show zeaxanthin and the epidemiological implications of any deficiencies in this critical nutrient. Supplementation to achieve levels of 2 milligrams to 4 milligrams of zeaxanthin per day is examined below. When compared to average nutritional diets of less than 0.5 milligrams, the protective role of this carotenoid is revealed. Combined with the continuing research over the last 10 years, the need for this carotenoid builds a strong foundation for the use of natural ZeaGold® zeaxanthin.
Ocular Health- Function of Zeaxanthin
Oxidation products of zeaxanthin and lutein are found in the human retina suggesting an antioxidant role and photo-protective role protecting the macula from blue light damage.
Specific binding proteins exclusively bind zeaxanthin from the serum for transport into the macula and this protein (GSTP1) is found in the highest concentrations within the macula.
Ocular Health - Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Cataracts
Dietary zeaxanthin intake decreased with age and this was associated with an increased risk of AMD based on a study of 828 men between the ages of 20 and 60. It was concluded that dietary zeaxanthin was the most important and universal risk factor for AMD.
A study at the
In a European cohort of 899 subjects, researchers found a 93% reduced risk of AMD in subjects with the highest levels of plasma zeaxanthin. Subjects also showed a 75% reduced risk of nuclear cataract in the sample group with the highest levels of plasma zeaxanthin.
Ocular Health-Visual Performance and Glare Recovery
Zeaxanthin (2mg.) and lutein (10 mg.) supplementation for 4 - 6 months significantly increases macular pigment allowing visual improvements in glare recovery and lessens visual stress on the eye.
Supplemented subjects were able to tolerate 58% more intense light before losing sight of a central target and could recover from glare 5 seconds faster than subjects with no supplementation.
Ocular Health - Visual Performance and Low Light Conditions
Contrast acuity was improved with supplementation with zeaxanthin and lutein along with increase in macular pigment, thereby increasing visual performance in low light conditions. Supplementation with the carotenoids lutein or zeaxanthin improves human visual performance. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2006 Jul;26(4):362-71.
Ocular Health - Visual Fatigue
Zeaxanthin, lutein and blackcurrant supplementation of subjects can aid in recovery from visual fatigue. Participants in this
Skin Health - Skin Maintenance and UVB Protection
Oral and topical application of a combination of zeaxanthin and lutein had beneficial effects on five measures of skin physiology: surface lipids, hydration, photoprotective activity, skin elasticity and skin lipid peroxidation. Tests were performed with oral administration alone, topical administration alone and a combination of oral and tropical administration. At week 12, an increase in skin lipids of 63% was seen for both oral and topical administration, 46% for the oral treatment, 23% for the topical treatment and 10% for the placebo. Statistically significant reductions in skin lipid peroxides were seen in all treatments, except the placebo, with the combined treatment having the greatest effect. This study demonstrates the importance of zeaxanthin and lutein for overall skin health.
Dietary zeaxanthin and lutein supplementation protects the skin against UVB-induced aging using an animal model. The supplementation decreased overall skin tumor volume and multiplicity plus increased tumor-free survival time.
Dietary intake of zeaxanthin and lutein was found to be associated with a more than 50% reduction in risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in persons with a prior history of skin cancer. This occurred in a 8-year prospective community-based study of Australian adults, called the Nambour Skin Cancer Prevention Trial.
Cognitive Health - Cognitive Function Improvements
An assessment of 2,088 older adults between the ages of 69 ad 97 that scored lower on cognitive function tests including thinking, memory and learning appear to be more likely to have the early stages of AMD.
Liver Health - Non-Alcoholic Fatty LIver Disease
There is currently no treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) also known as “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease”. Effects of zeaxanthin supplementation was studied on animal models and it was determined that there were significant reductions in liver stress and liver fibrosis within these models. These reductions significantly reduced the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease within these animal models.
