| Common name | Zeaxanthin |
| IUPAC name | (3R,3'R)-β,β-Carotene-3,3'-diol |
| Synonyms | Zeaxanthol; (3R,3'R)-Zeaxanthin; All-trans-zeaxanthin |
| CAS number | 144-68-3 |
| Molecular formula | C₄₀H₅₆O₂ |
| Molecular weight | 568.87 g/mol (identical to lutein — constitutional isomers) |
| Appearance (oleoresin) | Yellow-orange to orange viscous liquid |
| Appearance (crystalline) | Yellow to orange crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥5.0% zeaxanthin in oleoresin; ≥90% crystalline grade |
| Botanical source | Marigold (Tagetes erecta) flower petals; naturally co-present with lutein |
| Natural ratio | Lutein:Zeaxanthin approximately 5:1 in standard marigold oleoresin |
| Structural difference vs lutein | Beta-ionone rings at both ends (vs epsilon-ionone at one end in lutein); double bond position differs |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in chloroform, acetone, oils; highly lipophilic |
| LogP | ~10 (highly lipophilic — formulate in lipid matrix) |
| Moisture content | NMT 2.0% |
| Heavy metals | NMT 10 ppm total; Lead NMT 0.5 ppm; Arsenic NMT 0.5 ppm |
| Pesticide residues | Complies with EU Regulation 396/2005 MRLs; tested per APEDA standards |
| Microbial limits | Total aerobic count NMT 10³ CFU/g; Absence of Salmonella, E. coli |
| Shelf life | 18 months (2–8°C, nitrogen-flushed, opaque) |
| Storage | Refrigerated at 2–8°C; nitrogen atmosphere; opaque packaging; avoid light and heat |
Every zeaxanthin batch is tested by HPLC for zeaxanthin content and lutein:zeaxanthin ratio, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbial safety. Cold-chain storage and nitrogen-flushed packaging to prevent carotenoid oxidation.
COA reports both zeaxanthin and lutein contents and their ratio; important where a specification requires documented zeaxanthin content separate from total carotenoids.
Same marigold source as lutein; botanical identity confirmed by HPLC carotenoid fingerprinting; pesticide residues tested to EU MRL standards on raw material.
Zeaxanthin shares lutein's carotenoid sensitivity to heat and oxygen; all grades stored refrigerated, nitrogen-flushed, in opaque containers; cold-chain export logistics available.
COA, MSDS, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate with every shipment; pre-blend COA specifying both lutein and zeaxanthin contents for combination ingredients.
The macular pigment is not a single compound — it is a precisely stratified gradient of three carotenoids, each occupying a distinct spatial zone of the macula that corresponds to its specific retinal protective function. Understanding this spatial architecture helps formulators build scientifically credible products and communicate macular health to consumers with precision.
Concentrates in the fovea centralis, the 0.5mm zone of highest photoreceptor density. The fovea is responsible for reading, face recognition, and fine detail. Zeaxanthin here acts as both blue-light filter and antioxidant for the metabolically demanding cone photoreceptors. Commonly specified at 2 mg alongside 10 mg lutein.
Concentrates in the parafoveal and peripheral macular ring around the fovea, providing broader area protection. Commonly specified at 10 mg. The 5:1 lutein:zeaxanthin ratio reflects both dietary intake patterns and macular tissue distribution. Together, lutein and zeaxanthin cover the full macular area.
Concentrates at the umbo (very centre of fovea). Found in almost no dietary sources; converted from lutein in retinal tissue. Premium "complete macular pigment" supplements include all three carotenoids. Some populations have low meso-zeaxanthin conversion efficiency and may particularly benefit from direct supplementation. Available from SV Botanica on request.
The pre-blended 5:1 oleoresin supplies both carotenoids as a single ratio-verified input, which removes a blending step and the associated in-process assay. Where your specification calls for a different ratio, custom blends are quoted against it. Any reference to a published study formula on your finished-product label is your own regulatory decision and should be checked for your destination market.
Supplied as a bulk ingredient for further manufacture. Buyers are responsible for compliance with the regulations of their destination market. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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