Zeaxanthin in Retina Clear: What It Is and What the Research Says
Retina ClearLutein's partner pigment, concentrated in the very center of the macula.
Retina ClearWhat it is
Zeaxanthin is a yellow-orange carotenoid found in orange peppers, corn, saffron and goji berries. Lutein and zeaxanthin travel together in most foods and in most supplements.
What research says
The AREDS2 formula used zeaxanthin at 2 mg alongside 10 mg of lutein. Retinal imaging studies show that supplementing both raises macular pigment density in many people, but higher pigment density has not been proven to translate into better sight for healthy adults.
How Retina Clear uses it
Retina Clear lists zeaxanthin next to lutein in the blend without saying how much is included. The ratio used in research (about 5 parts lutein to 1 part zeaxanthin) is not confirmed here.
Quick answer
Why are lutein and zeaxanthin always sold together?
They occupy the same tissue and appear together in food. In the macula the center is richer in zeaxanthin, and the surrounding area is richer in lutein.