Zeaxanthin
The short version
A natural xanthophyll concentrated in the macula — eye-health supplement and clean-label yellow.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Extracted from marigold petals (Tagetes erecta) together with lutein — zeaxanthin is the minority partner. Also a major pigment of corn, paprika, saffron, and goji berries. With lutein, the two xanthophylls that concentrate in the human macula.
How it's used
The leading eye-health supplement (paired with lutein in the AREDS-2 macular-degeneration formulation). Also a clean-label yellow colorant in fortified beverages, dairy, and edible coatings. Fed to laying hens to enhance corn-yellow yolk color.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe at typical food and supplement levels. Endogenous dietary carotenoid present in normal diets at meaningful levels.
Physical & chemical properties
Yellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder or oily dispersion. Insoluble in water; soluble in fats and oils. Sensitive to light and oxidation.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the EU and globally as a colorant and nutritional ingredient.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.