Zeaxanthin
Also known as: meso-zeaxanthin, OptiSharp, ZeaONE, marigold zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid and structural isomer of lutein that concentrates in the central macula. It is typically co-formulated with lutein at a 1:5 ratio (2 mg with 10 mg lutein), the ratio used in the AREDS2 trial. Commercial zeaxanthin is extracted from marigold or paprika, and a related isomer, meso-zeaxanthin, is also sold. It is used in eye-health, blue-light, and antioxidant formulas.
Research summary
Deposits in the macular pigment alongside lutein, absorbing blue light and limiting photo-oxidative stress in the retina.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg | 2–4 mg | — | — |
2 mg daily alongside 10 mg lutein is the AREDS2 dose. Some products use up to 4 mg or add meso-zeaxanthin. Fat-soluble; take with food. Effects on macular pigment build over months.
Standardization: assayed as zeaxanthin (beadlets 5–20%, oleoresin up to 20%)
Source material: marigold (Tagetes erecta) flower or paprika oleoresin
As supplied: Supplied as 5–20% beadlets or oleoresin; raw-material mass depends on grade, so confirm with the supplier.
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Oil-dispersible; behaves like lutein in softgels, beadlet capsules, tablets, and gummies. Light-sensitive.
Formulation notes
Nearly always paired with lutein; no notable formulation conflicts.
Sources
- Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. (AREDS2 Research Group, 2013)PubMed
- Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density. (Ma, 2016)PubMed
Related ingredients
Lutein
AntioxidantLutein is a yellow xanthophyll carotenoid that concentrates in the macula of the eye, where it filters blue light and quenches reactive oxygen species.
Typical: 10–20 mg
Astaxanthin
AntioxidantAstaxanthin is a red keto-carotenoid produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and responsible for the pink color of salmon and krill.
Typical: 4–12 mg
Beta-Carotene
VitaminBeta-carotene is an orange plant pigment that the body can split into retinol as needed, which is why it is called provitamin A.
Typical: 3–15 mg
Bilberry Extract
BotanicalBilberry is a European relative of the blueberry whose fruit is rich in anthocyanins, the purple pigments studied for eye and vascular support.
Typical: 80–320 mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg