Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Zeaxanthin Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Strong
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Very well tolerated at recommended doses
  • Mild carotenodermia (skin yellowing) at very high intakes
  • Rare gastrointestinal discomfort

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • High-dose beta-carotene may compete for intestinal absorption
  • Fat-blocking drugs (orlistat) reduce zeaxanthin absorption
  • Cholestyramine may lower carotenoid bioavailability

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 10 mg/day used safely in research; no formal upper limit established

Full Zeaxanthin Guide

References

  1. RCTAge-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. DOI PubMed
  2. ObservationalBone RA, Landrum JT, Mayne ST, et al. (2001). Macular pigment in donor eyes with and without AMD: a case-control study. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. PubMed
  3. Meta-analysisChoo YM, Yip KX, Fiander M, Ahmad Kamar A, et al. (2025). Lutein and zeaxanthin for reducing morbidity and mortality in preterm infants.. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. DOI PubMed
  4. Meta-analysisWilson LM, Tharmarajah S, Jia Y, Semba RD, et al. (2021). The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). DOI PubMed
  5. Meta-analysisMa L, Liu R, Du JH, Liu T, et al. (2016). Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisLiu XH, Yu RB, Liu R, Hao ZX, et al. (2014). Association between lutein and zeaxanthin status and the risk of cataract: a meta-analysis.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  7. Meta-analysisMa L, Hao ZX, Liu RR, Yu RB, et al. (2014). A dose-response meta-analysis of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in relation to risk of age-related cataract.. Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Meta-analysisLiu R, Wang T, Zhang B, Qin L, et al. (2014). Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and association with visual function in age-related macular degeneration.. Investigative ophthalmology & visual science. DOI PubMed
  2. Meta-analysisMa L, Dou HL, Wu YQ, Huang YM, et al. (2012). Lutein and zeaxanthin intake and the risk of age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. The British journal of nutrition. DOI PubMed
  3. ObservationalKeenan TDL, Agrón E, Keane PA, Domalpally A, et al. (2025). Oral Antioxidant and Lutein/Zeaxanthin Supplements Slow Geographic Atrophy Progression to the Fovea in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.. Ophthalmology. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTLopresti AL, Smith SJ (2025). The effects of lutein/ zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) on eye health, eye strain, sleep quality, and attention in high electronic screen users: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.. Frontiers in nutrition. DOI PubMed
  5. ReviewMartinez-Perez C, Oliveira AP (2025). Nutritional Supplementation for Myopia Prevention and Control: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed