Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important carotenoids, which are pigments produced by plants that give fruits and vegetables a yellow to reddish hue.

They’re structurally very similar, with just a slight difference in the arrangement of their atoms (1Trusted Source).

Both are potent antioxidants and offer a range of health benefits. However, lutein and zeaxanthin are best known for protecting your eyes.

This article discusses the benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as supplement dosages, safety and food sources.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that defend your body against unstable molecules called free radicals.

In excess, free radicals can damage your cells, contribute to aging and lead to the progression of diseases like heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).

Lutein and zeaxanthin protect your body’s proteins, fats and DNA from stressors and can even help recycle glutathione, another key antioxidant in your body.

Additionally, their antioxidant properties may reduce the effects of “bad” LDL cholesterol, thus decreasing plaque build-up in your arteries and reducing your risk of heart disease.

Lutein and zeaxanthin also work to protect your eyes from free radical damage.

Your eyes are exposed to both oxygen and light, which in turn promote the production of harmful oxygen free radicals. Lutein and zeaxanthin cancel out these free radicals, so they’re no longer able to damage your eye cells.

These carotenoids seem to work better together and can combat free radicals more effectively when combined, even at the same concentration.

They Support Eye Health

Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only dietary carotenoids that accumulate in the retina, particularly the macula region, which is located at the back of your eye.

Because they’re found in concentrated amounts in the macula, they’re known as macular pigments (8Trusted Source).

The macula is essential for vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin work as important antioxidants in this area by protecting your eyes from harmful free radicals. It’s thought that a reduction of these antioxidants over time can impair eye health (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source).

Lutein and zeaxanthin also act as a natural sunblock by absorbing excess light energy. They’re thought to especially protect your eyes from harmful blue light (9Trusted Source).Below are some conditions with which lutein and zeaxanthin may help.

The research to support lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health is promising, but not all studies show benefits. For example, some studies found no link between lutein and zeaxanthin intake and the risk of early onset age-related macular degeneration.

While there are many factors at play, having enough lutein and zeaxanthin is still crucial to your overall eye health.