An Eye Health Supplement Could Also Help Strengthen Cancer Treatment

Cancer causes more than half a million deaths each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Researchers continue to search for new ways to lower cancer risk and help existing cancers respond to treatment. A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine suggests that a supplement best known for supporting eye health may also have a previously unrecognized role in the fight against cancer.

The supplement is zeaxanthin, a carotenoid found naturally in many brightly colored foods, especially orange peppers and egg yolks. As a carotenoid, it has antioxidant properties, which can help the body prevent or recover from damage linked to oxidative stress.

Zeaxanthin is often recommended for people with age-related macular degeneration to help preserve vision. But if the study’s results hold up, it may also support a type of immune cell that is increasingly important in cancer therapy.

How it may help T-cells work better against cancer

In immunotherapy-based cancer treatment, CD8+ T-cells are used to identify and destroy cancer cells. In laboratory and animal-model experiments, the researchers found that zeaxanthin seemed to strengthen the natural anticancer activity of CD8+ T-cells. If these cells can be boosted, they may become more effective at driving cancer into remission.

Dr. Jing Chen, who led the study, said the team was surprised to discover a new role for zeaxanthin. He noted that the data showed zeaxanthin improved both natural and engineered T-cell responses, suggesting strong potential for patients receiving immunotherapy. Treatments such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and monoclonal antibodies are relatively new, but they are being used more often for a range of cancers.

Available in foods and supplements

The findings could make zeaxanthin a helpful companion to immunotherapy. Another advantage is that it is easy to find in both food and supplement form.

A 2020 review in Nutrients identified some of the richest food sources of zeaxanthin beyond orange peppers and egg yolks, including goji berries, corn, and spinach.

With a doctor’s approval, zeaxanthin is generally considered well tolerated. If a supplement is needed and the person is not taking diabetes medication, a daily dose of 2 milligrams appears safe for most people. It should be taken with a fatty meal to improve absorption.