A common carotenoid, found naturally as coloured pigments in many fruit vegetables and leafy vegetables. It is important for good vision and is one of the two carotenoids contained within the retina of the eye. Within the central macula, zeaxanthin predominates, whereas in the peripheral retina, lutein predominates.
A pigmented antioxidant (a member of the carotenoid family) that is found in broccoli, corn, leafy green vegetables, and squash. Consumption of zeaxanthin-rich foods has been associated with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration, among other illnesses.