As a nutritional supplement business, you’re likely seeing the increasing popularity of supplements for eye health. With an aging population as well as the increase in blue light exposure from electronics and digital devices, people are looking for natural solutions to support eye health. This is leading to the greater popularity of supplements with lutein and zeaxanthin plant extracts, which are clinically shown to help protect the eyes, and support vision performance. In this article, we’ll look at what is lutein and zeaxanthin, where to source high-quality extracts, and the zeaxanthin and lutein benefits.
What are Lutein and Zeaxanthin?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants, called carotenoids, that are found in many plants, such as marigolds and green leafy vegetables. These antioxidants can be found in the eyes, particularly in the retina and macula. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative damage, and in the case of lutein and zeaxanthin, they help protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. They also help to filter out blue light as a result of digital device use.
Similarities and differences between lutein and zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are chemically very similar and both are found in the eyes. They are both isomers, which are molecules that have the same molecular makeup. Although they have slightly different structures, both lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants and both are deposited in the macula of the eye. Lutein is found at the outer edge of the retina and in the rods of the eye, while zeaxanthin is found in the center of the retina. They also absorb similar wavelengths of light and in this way act as blue light filters.
Where do Lutein and Zeaxanthin Come From?
The most potent forms of lutein and zeaxanthin are derived from marigold flowers. The lutein and zeaxanthin in Lutemax 2020 come from marigold flowers and are present at a ratio of 5:1, similar to that found naturally in the diet.
Where to get lutein and Zeaxanthin extracts
Here at OmniActive, we specialize in providing top-of-the-line, effective, and sustainably sourced ingredients for nutritional supplements and products. For our Lutemax 2020, we develop non-GMO marigold seeds and give them directly to our farmer partners. They grow the premium marigold flowers that we use to make our lutein and zeaxanthin extracts. We use these extracts for our clinically studied Lutemax 2020 vision and cognitive supplement. Per our commitment to sustainability, the water extracted from drying the marigold flowers is recycled and purified for use by our farmer partners or is used in our processing facilities.
The care we take with cultivating our source ingredients for our products ensures that we offer quality products to our business partners time and time again. Lutemax 2020 is award-winning and backed by clinical studies, supporting its safety as a supplement and its effectiveness in protecting eyes from blue light. Our patented Lutemax 2020 extract contains all three nutritionally important macular carotenoids:
- Lutein
- RR-zeaxanthin
- RS (meso)-zeaxanthin.
Lutemax 2020 contains nutritionally adequate levels of lutein and zeaxanthin similar to what is found in nature. Lutemax 2020 is available in a variety of oil suspensions and our 100% vegetarian beadlets. We use Versabead technology which allows increased stability as well as dispersibility. Versabead is a microencapsulated beadlet technology that creates particles of uniform size and increased ingredient payloads. These beads combine a protective coating and a system of antioxidants that protect the active ingredients and keeps them stable. These beads will disperse in water or break down when eaten, making Versabeads applicable for powdered drinks, foods, gummies, and bars.
What is Lutein and Zeaxanthin Good for?
Lutein and zeaxanthin eye health supplements are quite popular, but here are additional health benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin.
-
Cognitive health and mental performance
Because of lutein and zeaxanthin’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, their antioxidant activity extends to the brain. According to this study, memory and processing speeds improved significantly in study participants who were given lutein and zeaxanthin.
-
Mood
This study shows the positive impact that lutein and zeaxanthin have on mood. Study results showed a decrease in serum cortisol as well as psychological stress. Emotional and physical health also improved after 6 months of supplementation.
-
Sleep
Lutein and zeaxanthin can also impact sleep quality according to this study. Study results showed that supplementation significantly improved sleep quality.
-
Skin support
Lutein and zeaxanthin are known for supporting skin health, specifically lightening the skin and supporting skin tone.