beta-zeacarotene

PhytochemicalBest with a meal

What is it

Beta-zeacarotene is a carotenoid intermediate found in maize (corn) and other plants, structurally related to beta-carotene but with a different cyclization pattern. It is present in small amounts in mixed natural carotenoid supplements.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Antioxidant carotenoid intake

Limited Evidence

Mixed carotenoid intake from food is associated with health benefits. Evidence specifically for beta-zeacarotene is minimal.

How it works

Like other carotenoids, beta-zeacarotene contains a long polyene chain with antioxidant activity. It is a precursor in the plant biosynthesis pathway leading to lycopene and beta-carotene. In humans, dietary intake is small and provitamin A activity is much lower than that of beta-carotene. It is most often consumed incidentally as part of mixed carotenoid supplements rather than supplemented in isolation.

Dosage

There is no established dose for beta-zeacarotene specifically. Mixed carotenoid supplements supply total carotenoids in the 5-25 mg range per day.

When and how to take it

Carotenoids are best absorbed with a fat-containing meal.

1 commercial form

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Component of mixed carotenoid supplements

Typically present as a minor component.

Absorbed with fat

Safety

Carotenoids consumed from foods and modest supplements have an excellent safety record. Very high intakes can cause carotenemia, a harmless yellow-orange skin tint. Smokers should be cautious with high-dose isolated beta-carotene; data for beta-zeacarotene specifically are limited.

Who should be cautious

Smokers should avoid high-dose isolated beta-carotene-type carotenoids based on cancer risk data from large trials. Caution with retinoid medications.

Interactions

No significant drug interactions reported for beta-zeacarotene specifically.

Food sources

Yellow corn

Amount
Trace
%DV
—

Tomato and red palm oil

Amount
Small amounts
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is beta-zeacarotene the same as beta-carotene?⌄

No. They share the same color and family but have different structures. Beta-carotene is more important for vitamin A activity.

Should I take it?⌄

There is no specific reason to supplement it on its own. A varied plant-rich diet supplies carotenoids in good proportions.

References

beta-zeacarotene on Wikidata — Wikidata link

beta-zeacarotene (ChEBI:27533) — ChEBI link

beta-zeacarotene (PubChem CID 5280790) — PubChem link

beta-zeacarotene on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on beta-zeacarotene (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.