Zeaxanthin
This is one of those words I always have to look up to make sure I am spelling it right. Usually you will see it and lutein together. That's because they are pigments both found in the macula.
Macular Degeneration Antioxidant
While the
lutein
is concentrated mostly in the
rod cells
of your retina, the cone cells, which are responsible for detailed central vision, have a high concentration of zeaxanthin. Both of these pigments are so prevalent in the macula they are called the macular pigment. The macular pigment provides protection to the retina from the damaging free radicals of sunlight. Low levels of macular pigment are often found in eyes with age related macular degeneration (AMD) and in those with risk factors for AMD. It seems that indeed macular pigment does play an important role in maintaining retinal health, and may also be a critical antioxidant in the prevention of macular degeneration . So how do I get more of these nutrients in my diet and do I need to supplement with vitamins for macular degeneration ?
Food SourcesUsually you will find that these two carotenoids are found together in plants. Foods having the highest content (>100mcg/100g serving), according to the Lutein and Zeaxanthin Scientific Review are: √ Pepper, orange, raw... 1608
√ Corn,sweet,yellow, canned... 528√ Persimmons, Japanese, raw... 488 √ Corn, frozen, cooked... 375 √ Spinach, raw... 331
√ Lettuce, cos or romaine, raw. 187 
√ Turnip greens, cooked... 267
√ Collard greens, cooked... 266 √ Spinach, cooked... 179 √ Nectarines 179 √ Kale, cooked... 173 √ Tangerine, mandarin... 142
Goji Berries Benefits to the MaculaIn the health-food industry, the Chinese wolfberry, more commonly known as the goji berry , is being touted as the next great "super food."
Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. The berries are usually found dried and look like red raisins.
Rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene, goji berries are commonly found in juices and teas or can be bought as a dried fruit. Despite the berry's popularity, the scientific research on the goji berry is still in its infancy. "There is limited data on the wolfberry," said Mark Failla, chairman of the Human Nutrition Department at Ohio State University, who is studying the goji. Based on early research on the berry, Failla says it's clear that gojis contain extremely high levels of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid related to beta carotene. Goji berries can be found at Chinese herbal shops while goji juice can be bought in health food stores, online stores, and through network marketers. It is important to note that goji berries may interact with anticoagulant drugs (commonly called "blood-thinners"), such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Click here to learn more: Goji Berries Supplements
Normally you will find a zeaxanthin supplement along with lutein. According to the Journal of Nutrition, 2003
supplementing with both of these antioxidants, raise macular pigment density and serum concentrations in humans. These supplements come from a marigold flower extraction.
All lutein supplements contain trace amounts of ³natural² or dietary zeaxanthin. Some manufacturers will label them separately and some do not. Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula from Natural Eye Care contains one of the highest amounts of this antioxidant at 6 mg - not micrograms - which is from pure marigold and not synthetic. This macular degeneration antioxidant is one nutrient that is the least available in the diet. Most macular degeneration vitamins don’t contain zeaxanthin at all or only include a small amount listed in micrograms (mcg) and often from a synthetic source. If this eye vitamin interests you go to: Vision Health Treatment Options & Nutrient Recommendations
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