Zeaxanthin, also known as zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin, is an oxygenated natural carotenoid, belonging to isoprenoids, with a molecular formula of C40H56O2 and molecular weight of 568.85. It is a dihydroxyl derivative of β-carotene, which belongs to the isomers of lutein, and is widely distributed in nature, with most of them existing in the form of all-trans isomers. form. The following is a detailed introduction to zeaxanthin:
1. Sources
Zeaxanthin is found in large quantities in green vegetables, corn seeds (especially corn endosperm), goji berries, sour berry fruits, citrus, blueberries and other plant tissues and some non-photosynthesizing bacteria, as well as in egg yolks. In addition, microorganisms such as Flavobacterium can also synthesize large amounts of zeaxanthin.
2. Properties
Zeaxanthin is fat-soluble powder or oil, soluble in ether, petroleum ether, acetone, esters and other organic solvents, insoluble in water. It can not be converted into vitamin A in the body, no vitamin A activity. Zeaxanthin is poorly stable to light and heat, especially light has the greatest effect on it; it is also poorly stable to Fe3+ and Al3+, but it is more stable to other ions, acid, alkali and reducing agent Na2SO3.
3. Physiological functions
Antioxidant effect: zeaxanthin has strong antioxidant property, there are 11 conjugated double bonds in its molecular structure, constituting a large conjugated system, the existence of these conjugated double bonds makes zeaxanthin can block the free radical chain transmission, thus it has strong antioxidant activity. It can act as an antioxidant by reducing the reactivity of chemically active substances such as free radicals mono-linear oxygen and photochemical sensitizers, protecting biological systems from a number of potentially deleterious effects arising from processes or reactions that result from excessive oxidation.
EYE PROTECTION: Zeaxanthin helps to protect eye health, especially against eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. It accumulates in the retina and forms macular pigment, which filters blue light and protects the retina from light damage.
Boosts immunity: Zeaxanthin strengthens the body’s immune function and reduces the risk of infection and inflammation.
Promotes cardiovascular health: Zeaxanthin helps lower blood lipid and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Improve skin health: Zeaxanthin can improve skin elasticity and moisturizing effect, reduce skin damage caused by UV radiation.
4. Applications
Food coloring agent: zeaxanthin, as a natural food coloring, is gradually replacing synthetic colors such as lemon yellow and sunset yellow. It has been approved as food coloring by many countries such as Europe and America, and can be used in solid food.
Health care products: The research and development of health care products with zeaxanthin as the main functional component will have a broad market prospect.
Feed additives: zeaxanthin can be used as feed additives to effectively improve the nutritional status of animals, egg yolk, poultry meat and skin color.