Fuel your life with the purest vitamins
Nov 3rd 2025
Carotenoids and Your Eyes
. . . Carotenoids for a long life and for life-long clear vision!
Beyond Health recently introduced our new beta-carotene product, Carotene Formula. Carotenes are part of a family of more than 600 antioxidant pigments found in fruits and vegetables (they give produce their vivid colors) called carotenoids. Carotenoids are vastly under-appreciated in today’s supplement world, but a 1984 study conducted by the National Academy of Sciences found the carotenoid content of tissue to be the most significant factor in determining maximal lifespan potential in humans and other mammals. In other words, the more carotenoids you consume, the longer you’re likely to live! One reason for this, no doubt, is the important role carotenoids play in detoxification.
Certain carotenoids are also central to the health of the eyes. Beta-carotene, for example, 
converts in the body as needed into vitamin A. Two other antioxidant carotenoids that have been getting a lot of attention recently are lutein and zeaxanthin. The only two carotenoids found specifically concentrated in the retina (and especially in the macula of the retina) and in the lens, these pigments appear to be largely responsible for protecting the eyes from the oxidizing effects of ultraviolet and blue light and other free radical damage. You’ll find plenty of highly bioavailable beta carotene in our new Carotene Formula along with small amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin. In addition, anyone following the Beyond Health lifestyle, including consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, will automatically be getting lots of lutein and zeaxanthin from their diet.
Most studies have found anywhere from 6-15 mg daily of these two carotenoids may help to prevent and slow the development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. High intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin have even been reported to improve normal vision. The best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are the green, leafy vegetables. For example, a cup of cooked spinach will supply 29.8 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin; a cup of cooked kale 25.6 mg. For a useful chart of lutein and zeaxanthin content in foods see the Linus Pauling Institute.
All the carotenoids are fat-soluble, so whether you’re getting your carotenoids from food or supplements, be sure to take them with fat for maximum absorption. Also, breaking down the cells of the plant, as when juicing, pureeing (in a VitaMix) or cooking, makes carotenoids much more bioavailable.
So get plenty of carotenoids in fruits and vegetables for a long life, and plenty of beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin to maintain eyesight for life!