This eye vitamin that wages war on cancer

Zeaxanthin is best known as part of a nutrient duo that powers eye health, slashes cataract risk by half and reduces age-related macular degeneration by over 25%.

Yet, it seems what it can do for your vision is just the tip of the iceberg…

In fact, research is revealing that the antioxidant-rich eye health supplement could supercharge the cancer-fighting activity of immune cells.

It’s a discovery that could not only help guard against the disease but also enhance the effects of treatment for those already battling cancer.

Revving up tumor-killing cells

Scientists at the University of Chicago Medical Center demonstrated that zeaxanthin directly enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells, critical immune cells that rely on a molecular structure called the T-cell receptor (TCR) to recognize and destroy abnormal cells.

And that’s where zeaxanthin comes in…

The researchers demonstrated that the antioxidant stabilizes and strengthens the formation of the TCR complex on CD8+ T cells when they encounter cancer cells.

The result is:

• Enhanced T-cell activation – so that there are more cancer-killing cells available to wage war against the tumor.
• Increased cytokine production – to aid in immune response against cancer.
• Turbocharged tumor-killing capacity – so that the body can better identify and destroy cancer cells, boosting anti-tumor immunity.

A complement to immunotherapy

The scientists say that zeaxanthin is not only a powerful ally in the fight against cancer but can also boost specific cancer treatments.

They found that in mouse models, supplementing the nutrient slowed tumor growth. And when they combined zeaxanthin with immune checkpoint inhibitors — a type of immunotherapy that has transformed cancer treatment in recent years — the anti-tumor effects were significantly enhanced compared to immunotherapy alone.

In testing against specific types of tumors, the scientists found that zeaxanthin boosted T cells’ ability to kill:

• Melanoma – a dangerous and invasive form of skin cancer.
• Multiple myeloma – a cancer of the white blood cells that can also damage bone marrow and kidneys.
• Glioblastoma – a fast-growing, aggressive type of brain cancer.

In summing up the study, the researchers noted that, “We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumor immunity.

“Our study shows that a simple dietary nutrient could complement and strengthen advanced cancer treatments like immunotherapy.”

Zeaxanthin: a simple solution for eye and cell health

So if you want to boost your body’s cancer-killing capacity, while supporting sharper vision, zeaxanthin could offer the help you’re looking for.

You can find zeaxanthin in foods like orange peppers, egg yolks, corn, red grapes, oranges, honeydew melon and mango.

However, if you’re like me and don’t eat these foods regularly enough to move the needle, you might want to supplement to ensure you’re getting an optimal amount of zeaxanthin for better health.

I personally take a zeaxanthin supplement that includes the nutrient lutein, another “eye vitamin” that has benefits far beyond your eyes.

And after all, while you’re supercharging your body’s cancer-fighting abilities, why not grab all the eye health benefits too?

Sources:

A common supplement could supercharge cancer treatments — ScienceDaily