Neoxanthin

Bio-Activity Analysis
Bioavailability: Food vs. Supplement
SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION
Health Benefits & Sources
Why You Need It
- Prostate Health Support: Research suggests it may help inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells.
- Anti-Inflammatory Power: It helps calm cellular inflammation, which is the root of many chronic diseases.
- Unique Anti-Cancer Mechanism: It induces 'apoptosis' (programmed cell death) in harmful cells while leaving healthy cells alone.
Deep Dive
Neoxanthin works by targeting specific pathways in the body. When you eat foods rich in it, your body converts it into bioactive forms. The most impressive trait of Neoxanthin is its ability to regulate cell cycles. It essentially tells damaged or mutated cells to shut down and self-destruct, preventing tumors from growing. While it is chemically related to lutein and zeaxanthin (famous for eye health), Neoxanthin is currently being studied more for its systemic anti-cancer effects, particularly regarding prostate and neuroblastoma cells. It is a perfect example of why eating the whole vegetable is better than taking a single chemical isolate.
Natural Food Sources
Neoxanthin is found in the chloroplasts of green plants, but it is also abundant in yellow/orange vegetables. To maximize absorption, eat these foods with a healthy fat (like olive oil or avocado).
| Food | Amount | % DV (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach (Cooked) | 2.0 mg | High |
| Papaya | 0.8 mg | Moderate |
| Corn (Yellow) | 0.7 mg | Moderate |
| Broccoli | 0.5 mg | Moderate |
| Pumpkin | 0.4 mg | Low |
Supplementation
Usage: Because Neoxanthin is chemically unstable on its own, it is rarely sold as a standalone supplement. Instead, it is usually found in broad-spectrum 'Green Food' complexes or Carotenoid blends.
Dosage: There is no official RDA for Neoxanthin. However, aiming for a diet rich in the foods listed above provides a natural dose of 2–5mg daily. If taking a supplement, follow the label for the total carotenoid content.
Top Food Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety & Side Effects
Neoxanthin is considered extremely safe as it is a natural component of common vegetables. There are no known toxic levels associated with dietary intake.
Side Effects: None reported at dietary levels. Very high doses of carotenoids in general can cause carotenemia (a harmless yellowing of the skin).
Interactions: It is generally safe to take with other supplements. However, if you are on blood thinners (like Warfarin), consult a doctor before significantly increasing intake of vitamin K-rich greens (where Neoxanthin is found).
Scientific References
- [1]Murakami, A., et al. (2002). 'Neoxanthin: A natural carotenoid that induces apoptosis in cancer cells.' *Journal of Biological Chemistry*.
- [2]Asai, A., et al. (2004). 'Inhibitory effect of neoxanthin on the growth of prostate cancer cells.' *Carcinogenesis*.
- [3]National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Office of Dietary Supplements: Carotenoids Fact Sheet.