Zeaxanthin

Why You Need It

• Protects the Macula: It filters out harmful high-energy blue light from screens and sunlight before it can damage your retinal cells.
• Reduces Risk of AMD: High intake is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
• Improves Visual Performance: Studies suggest it can enhance contrast sensitivity and reduce glare recovery time, helping you see better in bright light.

Deep Dive

Zeaxanthin works by accumulating in the retina, specifically the macula. Think of it as a biological shield. When blue light hits your eye, Zeaxanthin absorbs it, preventing oxidative stress that would otherwise kill photoreceptor cells. Unlike some vitamins that perform metabolic functions, Zeaxanthin acts primarily as a physical filter and antioxidant. It is not produced by the human body, so you must get it from your diet.

Natural Food Sources

The best way to get Zeaxanthin is by eating colorful plants. Generally, the deeper the color, the higher the concentration. Note that Zeaxanthin is fat-soluble, so eating these foods with a little olive oil or avocado helps absorption significantly.

Supplementation

While food is king, many people find it hard to eat leafy greens daily. Supplements are often taken in a 2:1 ratio with Lutein (e.g., 10mg Lutein / 2mg Zeaxanthin) to mimic the natural ratio found in the macula. They are commonly used by those with early signs of macular degeneration or heavy screen users.