What is lutein and zeaxanthin?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are mainly found in human eyes and brain tissue, accounting for 80% to 90% of the total content.
At present, the ideal raw materials for industrial extraction of bulk zeaxanthin powder are marigold and corn protein powder. Marigold is cheap, widely planted, and rich in zeaxanthin, making it the main raw material for extracting zeaxanthin in China. After measurement, the average zeaxanthin content is 1.31 mg/100 g.
In addition, the improved Flavobacterium fermentation for 2 days can obtain a higher yield of zeaxanthin. Using these bacteria as raw materials through fermentation technology is also an effective way to produce zeaxanthin.
Blue light (400-500mm) is the most harmful part of visible light. Since the eyes cannot filter out blue light, it can penetrate the lens directly to the retina, generate free radicals in the retina, cause the retinal epithelial pigment cells (RPE) to die, and damage the photoreceptor cells of the eye, resulting in a lack of nutrients in the photosensitive area and the death of photosensitive cells, causing macular lesions, fundus lesions, decreased vision, and even temporary blindness.
Do lutein and zeaxanthin really work?
A large number of studies have confirmed that supplementing lutein and zeaxanthin can significantly increase the optical density of macular pigment. Among them, zeaxanthin absorbs long-wave blue light, and lutein absorbs short-wave blue light, helping the eyes better resist blue light exposure and oxidative damage, thereby improving common eye problems such as visual fatigue.
Two studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that lutein and zeaxanthin can help reduce the risk of cataracts.
Modern research has confirmed that zeaxanthin can specifically absorb blue light in ultraviolet rays, significantly reduce retinal oxidation and cell damage, and filter up to 90% of the blue light intensity generated by computers and mobile phones. Zeaxanthin can improve visual function, including glare tolerance, light adaptation recovery, etc.
A study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology Literature showed that as the concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in human serum increases from below 0.25 mmol/L to above 0.67 mmol/L, the risk of age-related macular degeneration decreases more than 60%.
Replacing artificial colors with natural pigments is a development trend in the food industry. Zeaxanthin is an EU-approved food pigment. Compared with chemically synthesized colorants, zeaxanthin is natural, nutritious, safe, non-toxic, and has low production costs.
At present, the US FDA has approved zeaxanthin as a new nutritional additive that can be used in food, and its dosage generally does not exceed 5%. Lutein, zeaxanthin eye-protecting capsules and other OEM ODM supplements are showing a significant upward trend in the market and are favored by consumers.
Reference
[1].Bernstein PS, Li B, Vachali PP, Gorusupudi A, Shyam R, Henriksen BS, Nolan JM. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin: The basic and clinical science underlying carotenoid-based nutritional interventions against ocular disease. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2016 Jan;50:34-66.
[2].Hu WL, $hankar P, Yao YH, et al. Efiect of xanthophyll.rich food and supplement intake on visual outcomes in healthyadults and those with eye disease:; a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlledtrials[J].Nutr Rev,2023;82(1):34-46, doi: 10,1093nutri/nuad037.
[3]Li x, Hiolt R R, Keen C L, et al. Potentilal roles of dietary zeaxanthin and lutein in macular health and functionJ. NutrRev,2023:81(6):670-683.doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac076.
