Why is Zeaxanthin Is Good For Your Eyes?

Thanks to science, we already know that the human body needs vitamins and nutrients to survive. Each vitamin or mineral we ingest is then used to benefit different parts of the body. For example, most people have been told to take some vitamin C when they are sick to help with hydration and inflammation, or to sit in the sun to get some much needed vitamin D. Other vitamins and minerals, like zinc, have also been shown to help with inflammation.

A girl with healthy eyes.

So what about the rest of the body? How do nutrients get used throughout the entire body-- especially the important parts o four body like our eyes? It’s impossible to see without them, and our vision is important, so we want to do our best to protect them. As luck would have it, there are certain nutrients that are beneficial to the eyes, with Zeaxanthin being one of them.

Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is a macular carotenoid that helps protect the eyes from light-induced damage and oxidative damage. Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments that give plants and veggies their color. They are typically yellow, orange, or red in color. Ironically, zeaxanthin is the yellow pigmentation found in the macula (the functional center of the retina). This yellow-colored pigment works as a shield for the eye cells to protect from harmful light, including the sun.

Zeaxanthin Benefits

By providing UV and high-energy light protection, Zeaxanthin acts as our “internal sunglasses” and can help with the following:

Light sensitivity: It helps filter the light thus lessening the discomfort from sudden bright light.
Glare recovery: Glares can cause temporary blindness. Generally it only lasts for a few seconds. The shield it creates helps reduce issues caused by glare from happening.
Contrast sensitivity: This means you have the ability to distinguish an object from its background. Light reflections can tamper with how you see things. By protecting your eyes, you are less at risk of odd reflections affecting your vision.

In addition to light protection, it has been found to benefit those who suffer from any of the following health conditions:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the United States.
Cataracts: cloudiness of the lens causing blurry vision
Free Radicals: Free radicals damage cells causing progression of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Diabetes. Anti-oxidants like zeaxanthin help cancel out free radicals in the retina so they can not cause any damage.

Additional studies have shown that Zeaxanthin can benefit the skin as well. Just like the carotenoid protects our eyes from light, when acting as an antioxidant it protects the skin from UV rays while also slowing aging of the skin.

Zeaxanthin Foods

Our body starts with a specific amount of Zeaxanthin within it, but it is never replaced. As we grow, our bodies will not produce more; meaning we are more susceptible to harmful light if we do not obtain it through our diet and vitamin regimine.

You can find Zeaxanthin in a variety of foods, such as:

Spinach
Kale
Corn
Pistachios
Egg yolk
Freekeh (a grain)
Orange peppers
Broccoli
Turnip greens
Dietary supplements or vitamins
Other green, leafy veggies

Broccoli in a bowl with a knife.

It is estimated that we consume 1-3 mg of Zeaxanthin a day through our diet. If you have eye-related health conditions, you may require more than this. Scientists have found that fat aids absorption of nutrients; therefore, it is recommended to add healthy fats to your diet to ensure the vitamins and nutrients you are ingesting are being absorbed properly.

Unlike other substances we ingest, Zeaxanthin has no known negative side effects. However, if an adult exceeds the daily recommended level (10 mg), their skin may appear yellow in color. This is harmful and will go away on its own once their levels return to normal.

Zeaxanthin Isomers

It is important to note that there is a difference between getting Zeaxanthin in a natural way opposed to synthetically. Classified by the FDA as a synthetic ingredient, meso-zeaxanthin is an isomer created from the breakdown of lutein (the other carotenoid found in the retina) that is used in dietary supplements because it is cheaper. To make the isomer, it is often sourced from marigolds using high heat. With that being said, there are arguments regarding if meso-zeaxanthin has the same dietary effects as natural Zeaxanthin, scientifically referred to as RR-zeaxanthin.

Meso-zeaxanthin can be found in food such trout, the fat of sea turtles, and shrimp shells; however, it is usually in very small doses which means there is not enough of it to do what it needs to do to shield the macula. If you are using a dietary supplement, you can check the label for “zeaxanthin isomers” to know if it contains Meso-zeaxanthin.

As of when this article was written, there is no research to prove whether there are benefits or negative effects associated with the isomer. Some studies have shown adding meso-zeaxanthin to an AREDS 2 supplement had no additional benefit at all. Good news is, regardless of how it is obtained, Zeaxanthin will get to where it needs to be within the retina. However, as with most nutrients, it is best to get the recommended daily dose of Zeaxanthin from natural sources, such as dark, leafy greens and orange peppers, which we mentioned previously. If you have any concerns regarding your diet or a supplement you are using, it is best to consult with your doctor.

A girl in the kitchen.

Assuming you live a healthy lifestyle consisting of large amounts of leafy greens and take your eyetamins daily, you should be getting the right amount of Zeaxanthin to protect your eyes, specifically the retina, from harmful high-energy light. eyetamins won’t just help your vision when it comes to light, they will boost the overall health of your eyes and prevent future eye-related health issues.