Zeaxanthin Trade Association Calls for Standardization Method

Members of the Zeaxanthin Trade Association have adopted an analytical method to measure the specific zeaxanthin isomers present in any dietary supplement or food containing the ingredient.

Only three zeaxanthin steroisomers-(3R, 3’R), (3R, 3’S), and (3S, 3’S)-should be present in dietary supplements and foods with zeaxanthin, according to the association. Furthermore, (3R, 3’R) is the only isomer approved for zeaxanthin dietary supplements.

The association’s initiative is an attempt to make positive that all Zeaxanthin ingredients comply with current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and FDA and EU regulations. The method was developed by chemists from association members DSM Nutritional Products, Kalsec, Inc., and Chrysantis Inc. (West Chicago, IL) in a six-month study. The association is working to make this method available to zeaxanthin suppliers.

“This is just one example of positive self regulation of the dietary supplement industry,” said Manuel Pavon, general manager at Chrysantis, Inc.

The method will be available at association members’ websites.