Zeaxanthin: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Lutein
Family or group:
Phytosubstances
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Cataracts ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin orally per day over an average of 4.7 years reduces the risk of requiring surgery by 32% in patients with low dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Posologie
Orally
2 mg
4 - years
A dose-response meta-analysis of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in relation to risk of age-related cataract.
Association of Blood Antioxidants and Vitamins With Risk of Age-Related Cataract: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Lutein, but Not Alpha-Tocopherol, Supplementation Improves Visual Function in Patients With Age-Related Cataracts: A 2-y Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
AMD ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has shown that individuals who consume higher amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet have a reduced risk of developing AMD. A meta-analysis shows that taking a carotenoid (lutein, zeaxanthin, or meso-zeaxanthin) improves macular optical density compared to a placebo in patients with or without AMD. More recently, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that macular pigment density and visual acuity are significantly corrected in patients with non-exudative AMD, after taking a combination of lutein (10-20 mg), zeaxanthin (1-2 mg), omega-3 fatty acids (100-200 mg of docosahexaenoic acid and 30-60 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid), and antioxidants, over a period of 12 months.
Posologie
Orally
1 - 2 mg
12 - months
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intake and the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation and Association With Visual Function in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Lutein Supplementation Over a One-Year Period in Early AMD Might Have a Mild Beneficial Effect on Visual Acuity: The CLEAR Study
Improvement of Retinal Function in Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration After Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Role of Lutein Supplementation in the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Effects of Lutein and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Macular Pigment Optical Density in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Zeaxanthin and Visual Function in Patients With Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 973
Effect of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Macular Pigment and Visual Function in Patients With Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated With Macular Pigment Optical Density
Supplementation With All Three Macular Carotenoids: Response, Stability, and Safety
Eye Health ✪✪✪✪✪
Foods with high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin are more beneficial for eye health than other carotenoids and antioxidants like vitamin A, lycopene, alpha or beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In fact, the yellow color of lutein and zeaxanthin is due to their ability to absorb blue light. They act as "sunglasses" that function as a filter for blue light, thus reducing chromatic aberration and helping prevent damage to photoreceptors. Moreover, epidemiological research has shown that people who consume higher amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet have a reduced risk of developing AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
Posologie
Orally
2 - 5 mg
Macular Pigment Optical Density and Its Relationship With Serum and Dietary Levels of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Biological Role of Lutein in the Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration
Biologic Mechanisms of the Protective Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma ✪✪✪✪✪
An analysis of population-based observational research shows that increased consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet is associated with an 18% reduced risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma compared to low dietary intake.
Posologie
Orally
20 mg
Skin Health ✪✪✪✪✪
Lutein and zeaxanthin appear to protect against UV radiation damage due to their antioxidant effects. Animal studies suggest that lutein reduces the risk of sunburn, UV-induced immunosuppression, decreases reactive oxygen species, and directly protects against photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. There is evidence suggesting that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin could improve overall skin health and simultaneously help minimize signs of premature aging.
Posologie
Orally
6 - 10 mg
Vitamin and Carotenoid Intake and Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Dietary Lutein/Zeaxanthin Partially Reduces Photoaging and Photocarcinogenesis in Chronically UVB-irradiated Skh-1 Hairless Mice
Serum Carotenoids and Alpha-Tocopherol and Risk of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Breast Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has shown that a high serum level of lutein and zeaxanthin is associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
Posologie
Orally
6 - 10 mg
Lung Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has shown that low serum levels of carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. However, other epidemiological studies have shown that a higher serum level or greater dietary intake of lutein is not associated with a reduced risk of developing lung cancer. These results are contrasted with those of a case-control study conducted on 108 cases of lung cancer, which found that higher levels of serum carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, were significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in alcoholic subjects, while potentially having a protective effect in non-drinkers.
Posologie
Orally
6 - 10 mg
Lung Cancer Mortality and Serum Levels of Carotenoids, Retinol, Tocopherols, and Folic Acid in Men and Women: A Case-Control Study Nested in the JACC Study
Serum Carotenoids and Mortality From Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study Nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) Study
The Association Between Lung and Prostate Cancer Risk, and Serum Micronutrients: Results and Lessons Learned From Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial
Uterine Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
A study suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin are likely to have a protective effect against cervical cancer and possibly against the persistence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) (a DNA virus that can be a precursor of anogenital cancers, including cervical cancer). However, other epidemiological studies have shown that low dietary lutein intake does not increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Posologie
Orally
6 - 10 mg
Colorectal Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Some epidemiological research has shown a reduction in the risk of developing colon cancer among individuals consuming large amounts of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin.
Posologie
Orally
6 - 10 mg
Properties
Vision
Foods containing high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin are more beneficial for eye health than other carotenoids and antioxidants such as vitamin A, lycopene, alpha or beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The yellow color of lutein and zeaxanthin is due to their ability to absorb blue light. Hence, they act as "sunglasses" that filter blue light, thereby reducing chromatic aberration and preventing photoreceptor damage. On the other hand, it is generally accepted that macular pigment density decreases with age, although results are conflicting. Moreover, epidemiological evidence has linked high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin with increased optical density of macular pigments and reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Usages associés
Essential
Zeaxanthin and lutein can be considered conditionally essential nutrients because low serum levels or low dietary intake are associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Epidemiological studies have also highlighted an association of low serum carotenoid levels, including lutein and zeaxanthin levels, with all-cause mortality, risk of inflammatory arthritis, prostate cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, persistent human papillomavirus infection, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose metabolism, chronic cholestatic liver diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia.
Usages associés
Dermatological Effect
Lutein and zeaxanthin appear to protect against damage caused by UV radiation through antioxidant effects. The protective effect of lutein and zeaxanthin against skin cancer is uncertain. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin could improve overall skin health and simultaneously help minimize signs of premature aging. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined surface lipids, hydration status, photoprotective activity, elasticity, and lipid peroxidation of the skin and revealed that oral and/or topical administration of lutein or zeaxanthin provide antioxidant protection. This protection is greater with the combined administration of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Zeaxanthin appears to have a direct antioxidant potential against peroxyl radicals, being capable of scavenging them, whether they are water-soluble or lipid-soluble.
Usages associés
Anticancer
The level of lutein in breast adipose tissue seems to be influenced by diet, which may explain the lower incidence of certain cancers with increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Epidemiological evidence shows that high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin has been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly endometrial and ovarian cancer, but not all cancers.
Usages associés
Immuno-modulator
In a case-control study, serum lutein and zeaxanthin, along with other carotenoids, were lower in children with acute phase infection compared to healthy controls.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 6 mg - 20 mg
The recommended doses of carotenoids are in the range of 6 to 10 mg per day and should never exceed 20 mg per day.
Adolescent from 16 years:
The recommended doses of carotenoids are in the range of 6 to 10 mg per day and should never exceed 20 mg per day.
Interactions
Médicaments
Orlistat: moderate interaction
Theoretically, long-term use of orlistat leads to reduced plasma levels of zeaxanthin due to decreased gastric absorption.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Zeaxanthin: moderate interaction
Long-term use of olestra (a fat substitute) may decrease serum lutein and zeaxanthin levels.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
Pregnant women should refrain from taking carotenoids and stick to those provided by food.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Breastfeeding women should refrain from taking carotenoids and stick to those provided by food.
Child up to 15 years: avoid
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and for children under 15.
Contraindications
Cancer: prohibited
Prohibited (beyond the doses present in the diet) for anyone with cancer to avoid reducing the effectiveness of treatments (according to the general recommendation: no antioxidant intake in case of cancer pathology).
