Question: I noticed that Swanson Ultra EyesAlive (60 capsules) and Swanson Ultra EyesAlive (120 capsules) has 80 mcg of canthaxanthin. I am concerned about this, since in consumerlab.com's write-up on their test of lutein products they say, “One potential, but unlikely, concern with lutein and zeaxanthin is product contamination with a related, naturally occurring compound called canthaxanthin. With high levels of intake, it can form potentially damaging crystals in the retina.” I would like to know more about the safety of EyesAlive.
Be assured that the 80 mcg of canthaxanthin in Swanson Ultra EyesAlive Vision Nutrition™ does not exceed the amount that naturally occurs in commonly consumed foods high in lutein like spinach and broccoli. (80 mcg is less than 1/10 of a milligram.) Some companies market canthaxanthin as a self-tanner, however, in potencies of 30 mg or more per pill, since it will turn the skin brownish-orange, and this potency may be a cause for concern. Keep in mind that 30 mg is the same as 30,000 mcg, and 375 times the amount of canthaxanthin found in EyesAlive.
This question was answered by a trained product specialist at Swanson Health Products. Do you have a question you’d like answered? Send it via email to drea658baic@compend.me.
(Note: as per industry regulations, we cannot and will not answer medical questions, make treatment or diagnosis recommendations or comment on disease inquiries. Such questions must be answered by your doctor or professional health care provider.)
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