Comparing E161H - Zeaxanthin vs E161 - Xanthophylls

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Overview

E161H - Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin (E161h) is a yellow‑orange carotenoid pigment found naturally in foods like corn, orange peppers, and egg yolks. It’s used as a colouring ingredient in some markets and is better known as a component of eye‑health supplements alongside lutein. Regulatory rules vary by country, so you’ll most often see zeaxanthin on dietary supplement labels rather than everyday foods.

E161 - Xanthophylls

Xanthophylls (E161) are natural yellow to orange-red pigments from the carotenoid family. In food, they are used mainly as color additives, with examples including lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin. They can come from plants and algae, or be made by synthesis.

Synonyms

E161h

Zeaxanthin

E161

Xanthophylls

Functions

colour

Origins

Products

Found in 18 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#1518K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#314530 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×51.05

over-aware

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

How much lutein and zeaxanthin should i take daily?
There’s no official RDA, but clinical eye‑health studies commonly use 10 mg lutein plus 2 mg zeaxanthin per day (the AREDS2 ratio). Intakes in foods are much lower, and supplement needs depend on individual circumstances.
What is lutein and zeaxanthin?
They are yellow-orange xanthophyll carotenoids from plants; zeaxanthin is also used as a food color (E161h). In the body they concentrate in the macula and lens of the eye.
How do you pronounce zeaxanthin?
Zee-uh-ZAN-thin.
How much lutein and zeaxanthin per day?
No official RDA exists; research commonly uses 10 mg lutein with 2 mg zeaxanthin daily (AREDS2). Choose doses based on product directions or medical advice.
What is the best brand of lutein and zeaxanthin?
There’s no single “best” brand; look for reputable products that disclose amounts (often 10 mg/2 mg), use known sources like marigold (Tagetes erecta), and have third‑party testing (e.g., USP or NSF).