zeaxanthinhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zeaxanthin_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezeaxanthin, n.
Revised 2018

zeaxanthinnoun

Biochemistry.
  1. 1929–
    A deep yellow carotenoid pigment present in the retina of the eye and in some plants and microorganisms, used as a food additive and supplement.
    High levels of zeaxanthin are found in maize (from which it was first isolated) and egg yolk, as well as brightly coloured fruits such as orange and yellow peppers, melons, and oranges. It often occurs naturally with the pigment lutein, of which it is an isomer.
    Chemical name: β,β-carotene-3,3'-diol; C40H56O2.
    1. 1929
      Zeaxanthin, a new carotinoid pigment in maize.
      Chemical Abstracts vol. 23 4480 (heading)
    2. 1934
      Xanthophyll (lutein) appears to be structurally related to α-carotene and zeaxanthin to β-carotene.
      Science 25 May 488/2
    3. 1997
      Research shows that..lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids, may stave off macular degeneration, a common cause of failing eyesight.
      Fitness November 56/4
    4. 2009
      Key nutrients to maintain healthy eyes in old age are lutein and zeaxanthin; good sources are kiwi fruit, grapes, spinach and broccoli.
      Independent 13 January 17/2

zeaxanthin, n. was revised in June 2018.

zeaxanthin, n. was last modified in July 2023.