Zeaxanthin

1) Studied Conditions

Zeaxanthin has been studied for its potential effects on various conditions, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Cataracts
• Retinal diseases
• Eye fatigue
• Skin health

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Studies have shown that zeaxanthin, often in conjunction with lutein, may be beneficial in:

• Reducing the risk of progression of AMD.
• Possibly decreasing the likelihood of cataract development.
• Improving visual performance and reducing eye fatigue in some individuals.

However, the effectiveness can vary, and more research is needed to establish definitive conclusions.

3) Health Benefits

Zeaxanthin is associated with several health benefits, such as:

• Protection against oxidative stress and photooxidative damage in the eyes.
• Supporting the health of the retina and lens.
• Potentially contributing to better skin health and protection against UV radiation.

4) Downsides

While zeaxanthin is generally considered safe for consumption, some potential downsides include:

• Rare cases of allergies or sensitivities.
• Possible interactions with medications or other dietary supplements.
• Excessive intake might lead to a yellowing of the skin, known as carotenemia.

It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.

5) Genetic Variations

Research into the relationship between zeaxanthin and genetic variations is ongoing. Some findings suggest that:

• Individuals with certain genetic markers may metabolize carotenoids like zeaxanthin differently.
• These variations can affect the efficacy of zeaxanthin in preventing or treating conditions such as AMD.

Genetic testing and personalized nutrition may play a role in the future to tailor dietary recommendations on an individual basis.

Summary of Zeaxanthin-Related Research

Egg Consumption and Macular Carotenoids: A study involving 24 women showed that consuming 6 eggs per week increased serum zeaxanthin levels and macular pigment optical density (MPOD), beneficial for retinal health.

Zeaxanthin and Cognitive Performance: Research involving over 4,000 older adults found that higher levels of zeaxanthin are associated with better cognitive performance, particularly in processing speed.

Zeaxanthin in Breast Milk: A study found a significant correlation between zeaxanthin levels in breast milk and plasma, indicating the nutrient's transfer from mother to infant.

Supplementation and MPOD: A study with subjects affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) found that supplementing with zeaxanthin, especially in combination with lutein, could enhance MPOD across the macula.

Zeaxanthin Isomers in the Retina: Analysis of retinal carotenoid distribution revealed that zeaxanthin and its isomers are actively transported and deposited in the retina, with a conversion process of lutein into meso-zeaxanthin occurring predominantly in the macula.

Egg Yolk Supplementation: Research indicated egg yolk as a bioavailable source of zeaxanthin, increasing plasma levels effectively; however, it also raised LDL-cholesterol concentrations.

Dietary Influence on Zeaxanthin: Zeaxanthin, found in dark green leafy vegetables and eggs, forms the macular pigment and may protect against light-induced damage, with moderate intake reducing the risk of AMD.

Macular Zeaxanthin and Brain Health: A correlation between macular zeaxanthin levels and brain regions in non-human primates suggests potential as an indicator of brain xanthophyll levels.

Antioxidant and Pro-Oxidant Role: Carotenoids like zeaxanthin play a dual role in biological systems, acting as antioxidants to protect against oxidative damage and as pro-oxidants under certain conditions.

Enhanced Absorption with Eggs: A study showed that eating whole eggs improved the absorption of carotenoids like zeaxanthin from vegetables, suggesting a dietary strategy for better nutrient uptake.

Effects of Dietary Fat: The type of dietary fat consumed with beta-carotene affects its absorption, with sunflower oil leading to lower beta-carotene levels in plasma compared to beef tallow.

Enriched Egg Consumption: Consuming eggs enriched with zeaxanthin can significantly increase serum levels of this carotenoid, which is important for eye health.

Carotenoid Absorption from Sources: Lutein and zeaxanthin from eggs were found to be more bioavailable compared to supplements and spinach, which could be an effective dietary source to reduce the risk of ARMD.

Protective Effects Against AMD: Although there is mixed evidence, higher levels of macular pigment, including zeaxanthin, may be linked to a lower risk of AMD, with increased intake potentially offering protection.

References:

1. A 12-wk egg intervention increases serum zeaxanthin and macular pigment optical density in women
2. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and the macular pigment
3. Intestinal absorption of beta-carotene ingested with a meal rich in sunflower oil or beef tallow: postprandial appearance in triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins in women
4. Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Are Associated With Better Cognitive Function Across Multiple Domains in a Large Population-Based Sample of Older Adults: Findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging
5. Distribution of lutein and zeaxanthin stereoisomers in the human retina
6. Retinol, carotenoids, and tocopherols in the milk of lactating adolescents and relationships with plasma concentrations
7. Macular response to supplementation with differing xanthophyll formulations in subjects with and without age-related macular degeneration
8. Stereochemistry of the human macular carotenoids
9. Carotenoid bioavailability is higher from salads ingested with full-fat than with fat-reduced salad dressings as measured with electrochemical detection
10. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma after dietary supplementation with egg yolk
11. The Pharmacological Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Visual Disorders and Cognition Diseases
12. Macular lutein and zeaxanthin are related to brain lutein and zeaxanthin in primates
13. Carotenoid radical chemistry and antioxidant/pro-oxidant properties
14. Biologic mechanisms of the protective role of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye
15. Lutein and zeaxanthin and their potential roles in disease prevention
16. Carotenoid, tocopherol, and retinol concentrations in elderly human brain
17. Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial
18. Increased Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Acuity following Consumption of a Buttermilk Drink Containing Lutein-Enriched Egg Yolks: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
19. Identification, quantification, and relative concentrations of carotenoids and their metabolites in human milk and serum
20. Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin content of eggs laid by hens supplemented with free and esterified xanthophylls
21. Effects of egg consumption on carotenoid absorption from co-consumed, raw vegetables
22. Phospholipids affect the intestinal absorption of carotenoids in mice
23. The role of the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, in protecting against age-related macular degeneration: a review based on controversial evidence
24. The effect of modified eggs and an egg-yolk based beverage on serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations and macular pigment optical density: results from a randomized trial
25. Lutein bioavailability is higher from lutein-enriched eggs than from supplements and spinach in men
26. Extraction, Identification and Photo-Physical Characterization of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) Carotenoids
27. A Comparison of Nutritional Antioxidant Content in Breast Milk, Donor Milk, and Infant Formulas
28. Relationship between Serum and Brain Carotenoids, α-Tocopherol, and Retinol Concentrations and Cognitive Performance in the Oldest Old from the Georgia Centenarian Study

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