Eye Health
Zeaxanthin
Also known as: Zeaxanthin
Partner carotenoid to lutein. Together they provide complete macular protection.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Zeaxanthin product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations Lutein/Zeaxanthin | 93 A | $0.57 |
| 2 | Jarrow Formulas Lutein | 92 A | $0.32 |
| 3 | BulkSupplements Zeaxanthin 5% Powder | 92 A | $0.02 |
| 4 | Swanson Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant - Featuring Lutemax 2020 | 91 A | $0.51 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations EyeProtect Basics without zinc | 90 A | $1.00 |
| 6 | Sports Research Lutein + Zeaxanthin Softgels, Plant-Based | 90 A | $0.20 |
| 7 | Thorne Memoractiv™ | 89 A | $2.33 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations EyeProtect Basics | 89 A | $1.05 |
| 9 | Natural Factors Lutein 40 mg | 89 A | $0.55 |
| 10 | Natural Factors Lutein 20 mg | 89 A | $0.36 |
| 11 | Thorne Advanced Nutrients | 88 A | $2.40 |
| 12 | Physician's Choice Eye Health Supplement | 87 A | $0.80 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Zeaxanthin should I take?
The typical range is 2-4 mg daily (with lutein). Long-term
When should I take Zeaxanthin?
With fat. Yes.
Which form of Zeaxanthin is best?
Softgels — Usually with lutein.
Is Zeaxanthin safe?
Commonly reported: None significant. Serious warnings: None. Safe
Which Zeaxanthin supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations Lutein/Zeaxanthin, at 93/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Macular health
- Blue light protection
- Central vision
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Zeaxanthin reached a verdict on: 4 with a benefit, 2 with no effect, 3 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (4)
“All groups significantly increased macular pigment optical density and contrast sensitivity at low spatial frequency” PMID 38582248
“Lutein and zeaxanthin plus n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) supplementation showed significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (SMD: -1.99, 95% CI: -3.33, -0.65) compared to the control group.” PMID 36296956
“L/Z administration could be an effective treatment for improving circulating HDL-C concentration in elderly adults.” PMID 36336325
“This systematic review showed a direct relationship among cognitive functions, macular pigment and the intake of lutein and zeaxanthin.” PMID 35752349
Reviews found no effect (2)
“it may have little or no effect on the incidence of ROP at any stage, IVH or NEC, or mortality assessed throughout the NICU stay.” PMID 40292760 · 2 reviews
“no significant difference was observed between serum β-cryptoxanthin (SMD = 0.02, 95% CI (-0.41, 0.45), P = 0.92) and lutein/zeaxanthin (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI (-1.20, 2.45), P = 0.502).” PMID 39229651
Not enough to say: myopia progression; age-related macular degeneration progression; cataract risk.
1 finding from reviews in specific patient groups (such as cancer, pregnancy or surgery) is not shown here.
How it works
- Concentrates in central macula
- Filters blue light
- Antioxidant
Dosage
- Typical range
- 2-4 mg daily (with lutein)
- Timing
- With fat
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Long-term
- Special populations
- AMD risk, screen users
Forms
- Softgels
Safety
Common side effects
- None significant
Contraindications
- None
Products containing Zeaxanthin
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Zeaxanthin on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Essential macular carotenoid
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Related in Eye Health
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.