Zeaxanthin + Lutein

Both carotenoids provided in this supplement are derived from natural sources. The lutein is derived from marigolds and the zeaxanthin is derived from red peppers.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are molecularly similar however they each orient themselves differently in the cell with zeaxanthin having two ends reactive for antioxidant activity, and lutein only one. The deposition of these antioxidants in the eye varies as zeaxanthin is in higher concentration in the cone rich center of the macula and lutein is in higher concentration in the peripheral area of the macula. The eye preferentially deposits zeaxanthin in the fovea (the very center of the macula containing the highest density of vision cells in the retina), suggesting a distinct and different role for each.

The decision to incorporate a 2:1 Zeaxanthin to lutein ratio in EyePromise is based on the actual ratio in the center of the macula. Lutein is more readily available than zeaxanthin in the diet. The eye still chooses to place a 2:1 ratio of zeaxanthin to lutein in the center of the macula, the area with the highest concentration of visual cells.

The macula contains both lutein and zeaxanthin and the eye preferentially accumulates Zeaxanthin in the center of the macula where the highest density of visual cells reside. Supplementing with lutein will increase macular pigment; however, the most crucial area of the macula may have deficient protection without zeaxanthin and recent science demonstrates unique and beneficial differences between the two carotenoids.¹