• Zeaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid found in foods such as kale, spinach, corn, orange peppers, goji berries, and egg yolks.
• Zeaxanthin selectively accumulates in the macula of the retina, where it helps support normal visual function.
• Zeaxanthin contributes to the body’s antioxidant defenses and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Zeaxanthin helps support and maintain healthy eyes and normal macular function.
• Zeaxanthin helps support healthy cognitive function, including visual processing speed and attention, in adults.

Zeaxanthin Impacts Aging Via

• Inflammaging
• Altered cellular communication

The role of Zeaxanthin in aging and longevity

Zeaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid responsible for the yellow-to-orange pigmentation of several plant foods. Dietary sources include kale, spinach, corn, orange peppers, goji berries, saffron, and egg yolks. Together with lutein, another xanthophyll included in NOVOS Vital, zeaxanthin is one of only two carotenoids that selectively concentrate in the macula of the retina and in the brain, where they form the macular pigment and accumulate in cortical tissue. Zeaxanthin contributes to the body’s antioxidant defenses, helps filter high-energy blue light, and helps support healthy vision, normal macular function, and healthy cognitive performance (including visual processing speed and attention) in adults.

Impact of Zeaxanthin on health

Chronic low-grade inflammation , often termed inflammaging, is recognized as one of the hallmarks of aging (R). Dietary patterns rich in xanthophyll carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, have been associated with a more favorable inflammatory and oxidative profile. In a 4-week controlled feeding trial, adults consuming a high-zeaxanthin plant-based diet showed improvements in biomarkers of low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress (R). Results indicated that increased zeaxanthin intake helps support the body’s antioxidant capacity and is associated with lower levels of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA).* A comprehensive review further reported that zeaxanthin may help modulate pathways involved in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-6, IL-1α, and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1/E-selectin) (R).

Zeaxanthin and eye health

Vision and ocular function naturally change with age. Common age-related eye conditions studied in the literature include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, amblyopia, and presbyopia. Zeaxanthin selectively accumulates in the central retina (the macula), where, together with lutein and meso-zeaxanthin, it forms the macular pigment. In a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, daily supplementation with zeaxanthin and lutein over 3 to 12 months was shown to significantly increase macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in adults (R). MPOD is a validated biomarker used in research to assess macular pigment status. Higher dietary intake of zeaxanthin has been associated with helping maintain healthy vision and normal macular function across the lifespan (R). At the cellular level, in vitro studies suggest that zeaxanthin may help modulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in ocular tissues. VEGF is a key regulator of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels, or neovascularization). In retinal cell models, zeaxanthin exposure was associated with reduced VEGF-induced oxidative stress and increased expression of anti-inflammatory markers (R).

Zeaxanthin and brain health

Zeaxanthin and brain health Cognitive performance tends to change gradually with age, and both oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation are recognized contributors to age-related changes in brain function. Xanthophyll carotenoids such as zeaxanthin cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in cortical and subcortical tissues, where they contribute to antioxidant defenses and help neutralize free radicals (R). In a 24-month randomized controlled trial, older adults supplemented with a carotenoid blend containing zeaxanthin showed improvements in measures of learning, memory, and attention compared with placebo (R). These findings support a role for zeaxanthin in helping maintain healthy cognitive function in adults. Observational analyses using national health survey data have reported that higher serum zeaxanthin concentrations are associated with a lower likelihood of cognitive decline in adults aged 65 and older (R). Collectively, these data are consistent with a role for zeaxanthin in supporting healthy brain aging.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein

Zeaxanthin and Lutein Lutein is another xanthophyll carotenoid that, alongside zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, accumulates in the human macula and contributes to the macular pigment that supports normal visual function. Randomized controlled trials have evaluated co-supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin and found that, taken together, they help support and maintain healthy eyes in adults (R). Clinical research indicates complementary benefits when zeaxanthin is consumed together with lutein. A pooled analysis of eight clinical trials reported that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin over 4 to 12 months was associated with improvements in measures of cognitive performance in adults, and that higher circulating levels of these macular pigments were associated with better cognitive outcomes (R). Consistent with these results, an observational analysis examining dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in older adults found that higher combined intake was associated with better cognitive performance (R).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

NOVOS VITAL & Zeaxanthin

NOVOS Vital contains 1 mg of this powerful ingredient, zeaxanthin, along with six other scientifically researched ingredients that target vital organ health. Together, these ingredients work to optimize your brain, eyes, gut, kidneys, liver, muscles, and heart. NOVOS Vital is a low calorie and low sugar chew that provides a healthy alternative for a sweet treat.