A Brief Overview of Dietary Zeaxanthin Occurrence and Bioaccessibility

Abstract

As it exhibits no provitamin A activity, the dietary intake of zeaxanthin is not considered essential. However, its contribution to ocular health has long been acknowledged. Numerous publications emphasize the importance of zeaxanthin alongside lutein in ocular diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration which constitute an important health concern, especially among the elderly. Considering that the average dietary ratio of lutein to zeaxanthin favors the first, more bioaccessible food sources of zeaxanthin that can hinder the development and progression of the above-mentioned disorders are of great interest. In this paper, a brief overview of the more recent state of knowledge as regards dietary sources together with their respective zeaxanthin bioaccessibility assessed through a standardized in vitro digestion method was provided.

In vitro bioaccessibility of macular xanthophylls from commercial microalgal powders of Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella pyrenoidosa

“…On account of their accumulation in the retina, lutein and zeaxanthin are collectively known as the “macular pigments” (Krinsky et al., 2003), and among these two oxygenated carotenoids lutein is more abundant in nature and has been the focus of a larger number of studies compared to its structural isomer. Not only is lutein occurrence in natural food sources higher, but also its content and bioaccessibility (Tudor & Pintea, 2020). Consequently, research on plentiful and bioaccessible food sources of zeaxanthin other than the few already confirmed (Hempel et al., 2017; Tudor et al., 2020) is of great scientific interest.…”

Periodontal health, neutrophil activity and cardiovascular health in captive chimpanzees

“…However, it was not possible to measure lycopene and cryptoxanthin or carotenes in serum, which directly reflects the low quantity of fruits, such as tomatoes, provided. Levels of lutein, zeaxanthin were at the lower end of the range found in humans (Tudor & Pintea, 2020), levels of tocopherol were similar to those found in humans (Li et al, 2016), retinol levels were above that deemed as deficiency in humans (WHO, 2011).…”

Comparison of vegetable oils on the uptake of lutein and zeaxanthin by ARPE-19 cells

“…Lipids play important roles in maintaining eye health. In the body, a minimum quantity of lipid is needed for optimal bioavailability of LUT and ZEA [27][28] . In vitro as well and in vivo studies have shown that the fatty acid composition of edible oils modulates the oral bioavailability of LUT and ZEA in the body by facilitating the intestinal absorption of these carotenoids.…”