Zeaxanthin – CAS 144-68-3 | Natural Carotenoid for Eye Health, Food Color & Feed
Product Identification
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Zeaxanthin; (3R,3′R)-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol; α-Carotene-3,3′-diol (isomeric); E161h (EU food color index) |
| CAS RN | 144-68-3 |
| EINECS | 205-636-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄₀H₅₆O₂ |
| MW | 568.87 |
| FEMA / E-Number | E161h (xanthophyll subgroup) |
| HS Code (ref) | 3203 / 2932 (carotenoid extracts) |
Description
Zeaxanthin is a lipophilic dihydroxy-carotenoid with a conjugated polyene system (λmax ~451 nm in ethanol), structurally closely related to lutein (CAS 127-40-2). Together with lutein and meso-zeaxanthin, it constitutes the human macular pigment, where zeaxanthin predominates in the peripheral macula and meso-zeaxanthin at the foveal center.
Commercial zeaxanthin sits across three main segments:
- Nutraceutical / Ophthalmic – eye-health formulas, often paired with lutein in 2:1 or 5:1 lutein:zeaxanthin ratios; included in AREDS2-type formulations
- Food & Beverage – natural yellow-orange colorant (E161h group), bakery, dairy, functional beverages; oil-dispersible / microencapsulated grades available
- Animal Feed – poultry skin & shank pigmentation, aquaculture; often blended with lutein / canthaxanthin
Natural-source zeaxanthin is predominantly (3R,3′R) from marigold / corn / wolfberry. Synthetic routes and lutein-isomerization routes yield different stereomixtures — specify (R,R) vs meso vs racemic when ordering.
Applications
Eye-health nutraceuticals – macular pigment density, blue-light filtration, AMD & digital-eye-strain support; commonly 2:1 lutein:zeaxanthin or 5:1 blends
AREDS2-type ophthalmic formulas – paired with lutein, vitamin C/E, zinc, copper for age-related eye health
Natural food colorant (E161h) – yellow–orange shade in bakery, confectionery, dairy, beverages; water-dispersible beadlets for clear drinks
Poultry & aquaculture feed – skin/shank pigmentation in broilers, flesh tone in salmon/trout; combined with lutein / canthaxanthin for target色调
Cosmetics – antioxidant, blue-light protection claims (emerging)
Reference standard / R&D – HPLC quantification, stability & formulation studies