Zeaxanthin, a type of carotenoid, is a pigment that gives several plants and fruits their vibrant hues. It’s mainly found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, yellow and orange fruits, and egg yolks (1). Zeaxanthin, along with its isomer lutein, is primarily recognized for its role in maintaining eye health and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (2). However, recent studies have shed light on its potential immunomodulatory role. This short review aims to explore how zeaxanthin supports the immune system.

The Immunomodulatory Role of Zeaxanthin

Carotenoids like zeaxanthin are known to possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (3). They perform this function by quenching singlet oxygen, neutralizing free radicals, and reducing oxidative stress, an imbalance that could harm the immune response (4). Besides, they can modulate immune responses by enhancing the functions of immune cells and influencing the production of cytokines, substances that mediate and regulate immune responses (5).

Zeaxanthin, specifically, has been associated with the optimal functioning of the immune system. Research on murine models indicated that zeaxanthin could stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes, key cells in the immune system’s adaptive response (6). Additionally, it was suggested that zeaxanthin could potentiate the cytotoxic action of natural killer cells, crucial elements of the innate immune response (7). These findings highlight zeaxanthin’s role in fortifying the body’s defenses against invading pathogens.

Impact on the Gut Microbiota

The immune system’s performance is closely linked to the gut microbiota’s health, the community of microbes residing in our intestines. Recent studies have suggested that zeaxanthin may play a vital role in shaping a healthy gut microbiota. In one animal study, dietary supplementation with zeaxanthin significantly altered the gut microbiota’s composition, enriching it with beneficial bacteria known to have immune-modulating effects (8). This indicates that zeaxanthin could indirectly support the immune system by nurturing a healthy gut environment.

Zeaxanthin and Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Chronic inflammation is implicated in various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, often linked with weakened immunity (9). Zeaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory properties have been reported in numerous studies. For instance, a 2019 research study demonstrated that zeaxanthin significantly downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and cytokines in retinal pigment epithelial cells (10). By modulating inflammatory responses, zeaxanthin may contribute to a more robust and resilient immune system.

The relationship between zeaxanthin and the immune system is a growing area of interest. While primarily known for its protective role in eye health, zeaxanthin’s potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, influence on the gut microbiota, and potential enhancement of immune cell function present it as a vital nutrient for immune health. Further research is needed to fully understand the intricacies of these relationships and their implications for human health.

References:

Sommerburg, O., Keunen, J. E., Bird, A. C., & van Kuijk, F. J. (1998). Fruits and vegetables that are sources for lutein and zeaxanthin: the macular pigment in human eyes. The British journal of ophthalmology, 82(8), 907-910.

Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group. (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration. JAMA, 309(19), 2005–2015.

Sies, H., & Stahl, W. (2003). Non-nutritive bioactive constituents of plants: lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. International journal for vitamin and nutrition research, 73(2), 95-100.

Krinsky, N. I., Landrum, J. T., & Bone, R. A. (2003). Biologic mechanisms of the protective role of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eye. Annu. Rev. Nutr., 23, 171-201.

Chew, B. P., & Park, J. S. (2004). Carotenoid action on the immune response. The Journal of nutrition, 134(1), 257S-261S.

Park, J. S., Chyun, J. H., Kim, Y. K., Line, L. L., & Chew, B. P. (2010). Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans. Nutrition & metabolism, 7(1), 18.

Jyonouchi, H., Zhang, L., Gross, M., & Tomita, Y. (1994). Immunomodulating actions of carotenoids: enhancement of in vivo and in vitro antibody production to T-dependent antigens. Nutrition and cancer, 21(1), 47-58.

Wang, C., Zhang, L., Ying, T., Zhan, B., Li, J., & Xu, T. (2019). Effects of Zeaxanthin on Growth Performance, Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity and Aquatic Products Quality of Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). Animals, 9(11), 946.

Furman, D., Campisi, J., Verdin, E., Carrera-Bastos, P., Targ, S., Franceschi, C., … & Slavich, G. M. (2019). Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nature medicine, 25(12), 1822-1832.

Lin, T., Zhao, P., Jiang, Y., Tang, Y., Jin, H., Pan, Z., … & Li, X. (2016). Blood-brain barrier, intestinal epithelial barrier, and the liver in the loop. BioMed research international, 2016.

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Note: The information provided in this section of our website is for educational purposes. While the scientific discoveries and clinical developments that we reference in this section may be exciting, they are stepping stones in the studies of Diindolylmethane (DIM) and some of the other nutrients in the Berkeley Immune Support Formula. The explorations of clinical applications for Diindolylmethane and some of the other nutrients within this dietary supplement are an emerging science. Only the US FDA has the authority to recognize a compound as a drug or therapeutic for a particular condition in the US and that occurs after the compound has been thoroughly studied and its efficacy established in four consecutive double-blind human clinical trials. At this point in time, Diindolylmethane and the other nutrients in the Berkeley Immune Support Formula are regarded as dietary supplements and not therapeutics for any specific condition by the US FDA. The Berkeley Immune Support Formula is a nutritional supplement. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Berkeley Immune Support Formula is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.