Lutein
Lutein is a carotenoid concentrated in the retina and studied for eye and cognitive outcomes, often with zeaxanthin.
Overview
What is lutein?
Lutein is a carotenoid. It is synthesised by plants and found in high concentrations in many leafy green vegetables including kale and spinach. The structure of lutein is similar to zeaxanthin.
Dosage
A typical dose of lutein is 10-20 mg per day.
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
43 conditions for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Database Snapshot
Most lutein research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) accounts for 29 of 114 studies (25%).
- Cataracts accounts for 9 of 114 studies (8%).
- Age-related cognitive decline accounts for 5 of 114 studies (4%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye disease, Metabolic syndrome.
Dietary Sources
Top dietary sources
Food sources
Top dietary sources of lutein include:
Sources include Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Green Peas, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Romaine Lettuce, Spinach, and Summer Squash.
Safety
Oral lutein supplements are likely safe when consumed at up to 20 mg per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Sources109 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
1.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration2023
A systematic review found antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements may slow AMD progression, but evidence quality varies across formulations and populations.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ω-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report 282022
In 10-year AREDS2 follow-up of 3,882 participants, lutein/zeaxanthin replacing beta-carotene did not increase lung cancer risk and may benefit AMD long term.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — The Effect of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake on Human Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2021
A meta-analysis (3,189 participants) found lutein/zeaxanthin intake dose-dependently increased macular pigment optical density in healthy eyes.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Effects of lutein supplementation in age-related macular degeneration2019
A meta-analysis of 9 RCTs (920 eyes) found lutein supplementation (10–20 mg/day) increased macular pigment optical density in AMD patients.
5.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Effect of Dietary Supplementation With Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and ω-3 on Macular Pigment: A Randomized Clinical Trial2017
In 86 adults at risk of AMD, 6 months of lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 supplementation increased macular pigment optical density versus placebo.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density2016
A meta-analysis (826 participants) found lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation increased macular pigment optical density in AMD and healthy subjects.
7.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Intakes of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Other Carotenoids and Age-Related Macular Degeneration During 2 Decades of Prospective Follow-up2015
A prospective cohort of 102,046 US adults over 2 decades found no consistent association between lutein/zeaxanthin intake and AMD risk.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Oral Lutein Supplementation Enhances Macular Pigment Density and Contrast Sensitivity but Not in Combination With Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids2015
In 79 AMD patients, 10 mg lutein for 6 months increased macular pigment and contrast sensitivity; adding PUFA did not further improve outcomes.
9.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Role of lutein supplementation in the management of age-related macular degeneration: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2014
A meta-analysis of AMD trials found lutein supplementation improved macular pigment optical density and may slow AMD progression versus placebo.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and association with visual function in age-related macular degeneration2014
A meta-analysis found lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation did not consistently improve visual acuity in AMD patients across RCTs.
11.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Lutein supplementation over a one-year period in early AMD might have a mild beneficial effect on visual acuity: the CLEAR study2013
In 72 early AMD patients, 10 mg/day lutein for 12 months increased macular pigment and showed mild visual acuity benefit versus placebo (CLE study).
12.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Effects of lutein and docosahexaenoic Acid supplementation on macular pigment optical density in a randomized controlled trial2013
In 44 early AMD patients, 12 mg lutein plus 280 mg DHA daily for 1 year increased macular pigment optical density versus placebo.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Lutein and zeaxanthin intake and the risk of age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis2012
A meta-analysis found higher dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake associated with lower AMD risk in observational studies.
14.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Improvement of retinal function in early age-related macular degeneration after lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial2012
In 108 early AMD patients, 10–20 mg/day lutein with or without zeaxanthin for 48 weeks improved retinal function on mfERG versus placebo.
15.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Effect of lutein and zeaxanthin on macular pigment and visual function in patients with early age-related macular degeneration2012
In 108 early AMD patients aged 50–79, lutein and zeaxanthin for 48 weeks improved macular pigment and some visual function measures versus placebo.
16.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Carotenoids in Age-related Maculopathy Italian Study (CARMIS): two-year results of a randomized study2012
In 145 AMD patients in the CARMIS trial, 2 years of lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and antioxidants improved visual acuity versus baseline.
17.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Supplementation with all three macular carotenoids: response, stability, and safety2011
In healthy subjects, daily tablets with meso-zeaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin safely increased macular pigment and serum carotenoids versus placebo.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zeaxanthin and visual function in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 9732011
In 60 early atrophic AMD patients, zeaxanthin-focused supplementation for 1 year increased macular pigment in lower-risk patients versus placebo.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Effects of lutein supplementation on macular pigment optical density and visual acuity in patients with age-related macular degeneration2011
In 126 AMD patients (LISA study), lutein supplementation for 6 months increased macular pigment optical density and may improve visual acuity versus baseline.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — The influence of supplemental lutein and docosahexaenoic acid on serum, lipoproteins, and macular pigmentation2008
In 49 women aged 60–80, 12 mg/day lutein or 800 mg/day DHA for 4 months increased serum levels and macular pigment at some retinal eccentricities versus placebo.
21.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Long term results of age-related macular degeneration therapy with prednisolone acetate--special refer to peripheral visual field changes2008
In 475 dry AMD patients treated over 7 years, prednisolone acetate therapy was associated with peripheral visual field defects in 85% of patients versus baseline assessment.
22.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy italian study: multifocal electroretinogram modifications after 1 year2008
In 15 nonadvanced AMD patients over 12 months, supplements including lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin improved central retinal electroretinogram responses versus untreated AMD eyes.
23.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — LAST II: Differential temporal responses of macular pigment optical density in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration to dietary supplementation with xanthophylls2007
In atrophic AMD patients (LAST II), 10 mg/day lutein with antioxidants increased macular pigment in responders versus non-responders over 12 months.
24.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Effect of lutein and antioxidant dietary supplementation on contrast sensitivity in age-related macular disease: a randomized controlled trial2007
In ARM/AMD patients, 6 mg/day lutein with vitamins and minerals for 9 months improved contrast sensitivity versus placebo.
25.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial)2004
In 90 atrophic AMD patients, 10 mg/day lutein alone or with antioxidants for 12 months improved visual function and symptoms versus placebo (LAST trial).
26.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Prospective study of intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and carotenoids and risk of age-related maculopathy2004
A prospective cohort of 118,428 adults found higher fruit, vegetable, and carotenoid intake associated with lower age-related maculopathy risk over 12–18 years.
27.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Influence of short-term antioxidant supplementation on macular function in age-related maculopathy: a pilot study including electrophysiologic assessment2003
In 17 early ARM patients, 15 mg lutein plus antioxidants for 180 days improved focal electroretinogram responses versus untreated ARM controls.
28.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Dietary prevention of age-related macular degeneration1999
A review concluded early dietary antioxidant and carotenoid intake, including lutein-rich foods, may reduce individual AMD risk but evidence was largely observational.
29.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group1994
The Eye Disease Case-Control Study of 356 AMD cases and 520 controls found higher carotenoid and vitamin C/E intake associated with lower neovascular AMD risk.
SupplementDEX Database · Cataracts
9 references30.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Smoking, dietary factors and major age-related eye disorders: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses2022
An umbrella review found smoking and dietary factors including carotenoids have varying evidence strength for cataract, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy.
31.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Association between lutein and zeaxanthin status and the risk of cataract: a meta-analysis2014
A meta-analysis found higher blood lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were associated with reduced nuclear cataract risk (pooled RR 0.73 and 0.63), with weaker associations for cortical and subcapsular cataract.
32.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — A dose-response meta-analysis of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in relation to risk of age-related cataract2014
A dose-response meta-analysis of 6 cohorts (4,416 cataract cases) found higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake reduced nuclear cataract risk (RR 0.75); each 300 µg/day increment lowered nuclear cataract risk by 3%.
33.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Association of blood antioxidants and vitamins with risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis of observational studies2013
A meta-analysis of 13 observational studies (18,999 participants) found higher blood lutein (OR 0.75) and zeaxanthin (OR 0.70) were inversely associated with age-related cataract risk.
34.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Lutein/zeaxanthin for the treatment of age-related cataract: AREDS2 randomized trial report no. 42013
In 3,159 AREDS2 participants, daily lutein/zeaxanthin 10/2 mg did not significantly reduce overall cataract surgery risk (HR 0.96), though HR was 0.68 in the lowest dietary intake quintile.
35.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Lutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: a 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study2003
In 17 cataract patients, up to 2 years of lutein 15 mg three times weekly improved visual acuity and glare sensitivity, whereas alpha-tocopherol 100 mg did not.
36.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men1999
In 36,644 US men followed 8 years, highest quintile lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 19% lower cataract extraction risk (RR 0.81) versus the lowest quintile.
37.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women1999
In 77,466 US women followed 12 years, highest quintile lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 22% lower cataract extraction risk (RR 0.78) versus the lowest quintile.
38.SupplementDEX Database: Cataracts — Nutrient intake and cataract extraction in women: a prospective study1992
In 50,828 US women, higher dietary carotene and vitamin A intake was associated with 39% lower cataract extraction risk; long-term vitamin C supplement use also showed protection.
SupplementDEX Database · Dry eye disease
2 references39.SupplementDEX Database: Dry eye disease — A novel multi-ingredient supplement significantly improves ocular symptom severity and tear production in patients with dry eye disease: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial2024
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults with dry eye disease found that a daily supplement containing lutein (20 mg), zeaxanthin isomers (4 mg), curcumin (200 mg) and vitamin D3 (600 IU) significantly improved tear production, break-up time, ocular surface damage and symptom scores by Day 56 vs placebo.
40.SupplementDEX Database: Dry eye disease — Role of Lutein Supplements in the Management of Dry Eye Syndrome: A Systematic Review2024
A systematic review of 6 dry-eye RCTs (584 subjects) found lutein 3–20 mg/day for 4–12 weeks may reduce OSDI scores and improve tear break-up time, though results were heterogeneous.
SupplementDEX Database · Eye strain
3 references41.SupplementDEX Database: Eye strain — The effects of lutein/ zeaxanthin (Lute-gen®) on eye health, eye strain, sleep quality, and attention in high electronic screen users: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2025
In 70 high screen users, 6 months of lutein 10 mg plus zeaxanthin 2 mg/day improved Schirmer test, photo-stress recovery, and tear break-up time versus placebo but not self-report symptoms or contrast sensitivity.
42.SupplementDEX Database: Eye strain — Effects of dietary supplementation with a combination of fish oil, bilberry extract, and lutein on subjective symptoms of asthenopia in humans2011
In 20 adults, 4 weeks of fish oil plus bilberry and lutein reduced asthenopia symptoms including dry eye, frustration, and stiff shoulder versus placebo.
43.SupplementDEX Database: Eye strain — The effect of lutein supplementation on visual fatigue: a psychophysiological analysis2009
In a crossover trial of 13 participants, lutein/zeaxanthin/blackcurrant supplementation reduced visual fatigue on psychophysiological testing during prolonged proofreading versus placebo.
44.SupplementDEX Database: Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) — Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm very low-birth-weight neonates in neonatal intensive care units: a multicenter randomized controlled trial2013
In a multicenter RCT in preterm infants, lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation did not significantly reduce retinopathy of prematurity, NEC, or BPD versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Retinitis pigmentosa
4 references45.SupplementDEX Database: Retinitis pigmentosa — Clinical trial of lutein in patients with retinitis pigmentosa receiving vitamin A2010
In 225 nonsmoking retinitis pigmentosa patients on vitamin A, lutein 12 mg/day for 4 years slowed midperipheral visual field loss on the HFA 60-4 program versus control.
46.SupplementDEX Database: Retinitis pigmentosa — Lutein supplementation in retinitis pigmentosa: PC-based vision assessment in a randomized double-masked placebo-controlled clinical trial [NCT00029289]2006
In 34 RP patients in a crossover trial, lutein 10–30 mg/day improved visual field and showed trends toward better visual acuity and contrast sensitivity versus placebo.
47.SupplementDEX Database: Retinitis pigmentosa — Macular pigment and lutein supplementation in retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome2001
In RP and Usher syndrome patients, 6 months of lutein 20 mg/day increased macular pigment in many responders but did not change central visual acuity.
48.SupplementDEX Database: Retinitis pigmentosa — Lutein improves visual function in some patients with retinal degeneration: a pilot study via the Internet2000
In 16 retinal degeneration patients in an internet pilot study, lutein 20–40 mg/day for 14 weeks improved visual acuity by 0.7 dB and visual field area, with greater gains in blue-eyed participants.
49.SupplementDEX Database: Retinopathy of prematurity — Lutein supplementation and retinopathy of prematurity: a meta-analysis2020
A meta-analysis of 3 preterm infant RCTs (406 participants) found lutein/zeaxanthin did not significantly reduce ROP, NEC, BPD, or mortality versus placebo.
50.SupplementDEX Database: Retinopathy of prematurity — Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation in preterm infants to prevent retinopathy of prematurity: a randomized controlled study2012
In preterm infants, oral lutein/zeaxanthin 0.146 mg/day did not significantly reduce retinopathy of prematurity incidence versus placebo.
51.SupplementDEX Database: Retinopathy of prematurity — A prospective, randomized, double blind study comparing lutein to placebo for reducing occurrence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity2011
In 63 preterm neonates, lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation did not significantly differ from placebo in ROP occurrence or severity.
52.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related cognitive decline — The Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-Reported Mild Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study2022
In 90 adults aged 40–75 with self-reported cognitive complaints, 6 months of 10 mg lutein plus 2 mg zeaxanthin daily did not significantly improve cognitive function versus placebo.
53.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related cognitive decline — Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with working memory in an older population2020
An observational study in older US adults found higher dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake associated with better working memory on word-recall tests.
54.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related cognitive decline — Effects of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Supplementation on the Cognitive Function of Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial2017
In 62 older adults, 12 mg/day lutein plus zeaxanthin for 6 months did not significantly improve cognitive function versus placebo.
55.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related cognitive decline — Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial2015
The AREDS2 RCT found omega-3 or lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation for ~5 years did not slow cognitive decline in older adults at risk of AMD.
56.SupplementDEX Database: Age-related cognitive decline — Cognitive findings of an exploratory trial of docosahexaenoic acid and lutein supplementation in older women2008
In 49 older women in a 4-month trial, 800 mg/day DHA, 12 mg/day lutein, or both did not clearly improve cognitive test performance versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Alzheimer's disease
1 reference57.SupplementDEX Database: Alzheimer's disease — Supplementation With Carotenoids, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Vitamin E Has a Positive Effect on the Symptoms and Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease2022
In 50 mild-moderate Alzheimer's patients, 12 months of fish oil, carotenoids (10 mg lutein, 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin, 2 mg zeaxanthin), and vitamin E improved behavior and function versus placebo.
58.SupplementDEX Database: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — Intakes of vitamin C and carotenoids and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: pooled results from 5 cohort studies2013
A pooled analysis of 5 cohorts (1,153 ALS deaths) found no clear association between carotenoid or vitamin C intake and ALS risk.
SupplementDEX Database · Asthma
1 reference59.SupplementDEX Database: Asthma — Association between dietary carotenoid intakes and the risk of asthma in adults: a cross-sectional study of NHANES, 2007-20122022
An NHANES cross-section of 13,039 adults found higher total carotenoid intake associated with lower asthma prevalence.
SupplementDEX Database · Breast cancer
1 reference60.SupplementDEX Database: Breast cancer — Association between dietary carotenoid intake and breast cancer risk: a case-control study among Korean women2024
A Korean case-control study found higher β-carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin intake associated with lower breast cancer risk, especially in ER+ subtypes.
SupplementDEX Database · Cardiovascular disease
3 references61.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease — The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis2016
A systematic review and meta-analysis found lutein intake inversely associated with some cardiometabolic outcomes but evidence varied by life stage and endpoint.
62.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease — Effect of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids and lutein + zeaxanthin supplements on cardiovascular outcomes: results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial2014
The AREDS2 cardiovascular ancillary study (4,203 participants) found adding lutein/zeaxanthin or omega-3 to AREDS did not reduce cardiovascular events over ~5 years.
63.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular disease — Antioxidant vitamins and coronary heart disease risk: a pooled analysis of 9 cohorts2004
A pooled analysis of 9 cohorts (293,172 subjects) found no strong association between antioxidant vitamin or carotenoid intake and coronary heart disease risk.
64.SupplementDEX Database: Central serous chorioretinopathy — A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study of Antioxidant Supplementation with Lutein for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy2017
In 79 chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients, 6 months of lutein-containing antioxidants significantly improved BCVA and reduced subfoveal fluid height by 28.6% versus 3.3% with placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Cervical cancer
1 reference65.SupplementDEX Database: Cervical cancer — The association of plasma micronutrients with the risk of cervical dysplasia in Hawaii1998
In 338 Hawaiian women, higher plasma alpha-cryptoxanthin and alpha-tocopherol were inversely associated with cervical SIL risk (OR ~0.3 for highest vs lowest quartile), independent of HPV status.
66.SupplementDEX Database: Child cognitive development — Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Improves Dynamic Visual and Cognitive Performance in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study2024
In children aged 5–12, 180 days of lutein 10 mg plus zeaxanthin 2 mg/day increased macular pigment, reduced eye strain, and improved focus, episodic memory, and processing speed versus placebo.
67.SupplementDEX Database: Child cognitive development — Early Childhood Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intake Is Positively Associated with Early Childhood Receptive Vocabulary and Mid-Childhood Executive Function But No Other Cognitive or Behavioral Outcomes in Project Viva2022
In 1,378 children (Project Viva), higher early-childhood lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with better receptive vocabulary and mid-childhood executive function, but not other cognitive or behavioral outcomes.
68.SupplementDEX Database: Child cognitive development — Maternal Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin during Pregnancy Is Positively Associated with Offspring Verbal Intelligence and Behavior Regulation in Mid-Childhood in the Project Viva Cohort2021
In 1,580 mother-child pairs, higher maternal lutein/zeaxanthin intake during pregnancy was associated with higher mid-childhood verbal intelligence and better behavior regulation.
SupplementDEX Database · Choroideremia
1 reference69.SupplementDEX Database: Choroideremia — Macular pigment and lutein supplementation in choroideremia2002
In choroideremia patients, 6 months of oral lutein 20 mg/day increased macular pigment and serum lutein but did not change absolute foveal sensitivity.
SupplementDEX Database · Cognitive performance
3 references70.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Dietary Lutein and Cognitive Function in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2021
A meta-analysis of lutein RCTs found no significant overall improvement in complex attention, executive function, or memory, though change-from-baseline analyses suggested possible maintenance of executive function.
71.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Dietary lutein plus zeaxanthin and choline intake is interactively associated with cognitive flexibility in middle-adulthood in adults with overweight and obesity2021
In 80 middle-aged adults with overweight/obesity, higher combined intake of lutein/zeaxanthin and choline was interactively associated with faster cognitive flexibility reaction times.
72.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Effects of a Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intervention on Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Younger Healthy Adults2017
In 51 younger healthy adults, 12 months of lutein 10 mg plus zeaxanthin 2 mg/day increased macular pigment and improved multiple CNS Vital Signs cognitive domains versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Colorectal cancer
3 references73.SupplementDEX Database: Colorectal cancer — Dietary carotenoids and risk of colorectal cancer in a pooled analysis of 11 cohort studies2007
A pooled analysis of 11 cohorts (702,647 participants) found no consistent association between lutein/zeaxanthin intake and colorectal cancer risk.
74.SupplementDEX Database: Colorectal cancer — Dietary and serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and retinol, and risk for colorectal cancer in male smokers2002
In 26,951 male smokers, dietary and serum carotenoids including lutein/zeaxanthin were not significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk over 8 years of follow-up.
75.SupplementDEX Database: Colorectal cancer — Carotenoids and colon cancer2000
In 4,343 colorectal cancer cases and controls, higher dietary lutein intake was inversely associated with colon cancer risk (OR 0.83), especially in younger patients and proximal colon tumors.
76.SupplementDEX Database: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) — Astaxanthin supplementation does not attenuate muscle injury following eccentric exercise in resistance-trained men2005
In 10 resistance-trained men, 4 mg astaxanthin (with 480 mg lutein) for 3 weeks did not reduce muscle soreness, creatine kinase, or eccentric-exercise performance decrements versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Depression
1 reference77.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — The Association between Dietary Carotenoid Intake and Risk of Depression among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disease2023
In 8,655 US adults with cardiometabolic disease, higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower depression odds (OR 0.69 for highest vs lowest tertile), with a U-shaped relation for total carotenoids.
SupplementDEX Database · Diabetes
3 references78.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Associations of Serum Carotenoids With Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From NHANES2022
In 3,107 adults with type 2 diabetes, higher serum beta-carotene was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.47 top vs bottom quartile); lutein/zeaxanthin showed no significant association.
79.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Diabetes mellitus and serum carotenoids: findings of a population-based study in Queensland, Australia2005
In 1,597 Australian adults, serum lutein/zeaxanthin and other carotenoids except lycopene were inversely associated with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose metabolism.
80.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetes — Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes2004
In 4,304 Finnish adults followed 23 years, higher beta-cryptoxanthin intake was associated with reduced type 2 diabetes risk (RR 0.58); vitamin E showed the strongest antioxidant association.
SupplementDEX Database · Diabetic retinopathy
2 references81.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetic retinopathy — Therapeutic effect of lutein supplement on non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy: A retrospective study2019
In 72 NPDR patients treated with zeaxanthin, adding lutein for 4 months did not significantly improve visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, or glare sensitivity versus zeaxanthin alone.
82.SupplementDEX Database: Diabetic retinopathy — Effect of lutein supplementation on visual function in nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy2017
In 31 NPDR patients, 36 weeks of lutein 10 mg/day significantly improved contrast sensitivity at 3 cycles/degree and showed a slight VA improvement versus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Esophageal cancer
1 reference83.SupplementDEX Database: Esophageal cancer — Carotenoid intake and esophageal cancer risk: a meta-analysis2013
A meta-analysis found higher intake of lutein/zeaxanthin and other carotenoids was associated with lower esophageal cancer risk (pooled OR 0.71 for lutein/zeaxanthin).
SupplementDEX Database · Fractures
1 reference84.SupplementDEX Database: Fractures — Carotenoids and risk of fracture: a meta-analysis of observational studies2017
A meta-analysis found higher dietary total carotenoid and beta-carotene intake were associated with modestly lower hip fracture risk; circulating carotenoids showed no significant association.
SupplementDEX Database · Glaucoma
1 reference85.SupplementDEX Database: Glaucoma — Macular Pigment Response to Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation in Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial2021
In 62 open-angle glaucoma patients, 18 months of 10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, and 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin significantly increased macular pigment volume versus placebo, with mesopic contrast sensitivity gains at 18 months.
SupplementDEX Database · Hyperlipidemia
1 reference86.SupplementDEX Database: Hyperlipidemia — The effect of lutein and Zeaxanthine on dyslipidemia: A meta-analysis study2023
A meta-analysis found lutein/zeaxanthin supplementation did not significantly change total cholesterol or LDL-C but significantly increased HDL-C in older adults (WMD +4.06 mg/dL).
87.SupplementDEX Database: Infant visual development — Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intake during Pregnancy and Visual Function in Offspring at 11-12 Years of Age2022
In 431 mother-child pairs (INMA cohort), maternal lutein/zeaxanthin intake during pregnancy was not significantly associated with offspring contrast sensitivity or visual acuity at age 11–12.
88.SupplementDEX Database: Infant visual development — Maternal Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Relation to Offspring Visual Acuity at 3 Years of Age: The GUSTO Study2020
In 471 mother-child pairs (GUSTO), higher maternal zeaxanthin at delivery was associated with 38% lower odds of poor visual acuity in 3-year-olds.
SupplementDEX Database · Infertility
1 reference89.SupplementDEX Database: Infertility — Vitamin and Carotenoid Intake and Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization in Women Referring to an Italian Fertility Service: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study2023
In 494 women undergoing IVF, dietary intake of lutein and other carotenoids showed no significant associations with oocyte quality, clinical pregnancy, or live birth after adjustment.
SupplementDEX Database · Lung cancer
5 references90.SupplementDEX Database: Lung cancer — Association between Dietary and Supplemental Antioxidants Intake and Lung Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Cancer Screening Trial2023
In 98,451 PLCO participants, higher food-based antioxidant intake including lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with lower lung cancer risk (HR Q4 vs Q1 0.64); supplemental antioxidants showed no benefit.
91.SupplementDEX Database: Lung cancer — Lung cancer mortality and serum levels of carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols, and folic acid in men and women: a case-control study nested in the JACC Study2005
In 39,242 Japanese adults, higher serum alpha- and beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin were associated with lower lung cancer mortality in men; zeaxanthin/lutein showed a nonsignificant inverse trend in women.
92.SupplementDEX Database: Lung cancer — The association between lung and prostate cancer risk, and serum micronutrients: results and lessons learned from beta-carotene and retinol efficacy trial2003
In CARET nested case-control data, higher serum lutein and zeaxanthin were inversely associated with lung cancer risk in women (OR 0.31 for top vs bottom quartile lutein).
93.SupplementDEX Database: Lung cancer — Serum carotenoids and mortality from lung cancer: a case-control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) study2003
In 147 Japanese lung cancer deaths versus 311 controls, highest-quartile serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and canthaxanthin were associated with significantly lower lung cancer mortality.
94.SupplementDEX Database: Lung cancer — Intake of specific carotenoids and flavonoids and the risk of lung cancer in women in Barcelona, Spain1998
In 103 female lung cancer cases and 206 controls in Barcelona, intakes of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein were not significantly associated with lung cancer risk after adjustment.
95.SupplementDEX Database: Macular telangiectasia type 2 — Treatment of Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 With Carotenoid Supplements Containing Meso-Zeaxanthin: A Pilot Study2016
A pilot open-label study in 13 patients with Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel 2) treated with daily lutein 10 mg, meso-zeaxanthin 10 mg and zeaxanthin 2 mg over ~15.7 months, showing improved visual acuity in 13% of participants and structural OCT improvements (reduced cavitation diameter).
SupplementDEX Database · Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
1 reference96.SupplementDEX Database: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — Association between dietary intake of carotenoids and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-March 20202024
In 5,098 US adults, higher dietary carotenoid intake including lutein/zeaxanthin was associated with lower MAFLD odds, especially in women, adults aged 50–69, and physically active non-drinkers.
SupplementDEX Database · Metabolic syndrome
1 reference97.SupplementDEX Database: Metabolic syndrome — Association between Dietary Lutein/Zeaxanthin Intake and Metabolic Syndrome among US Females: An Analysis of National Health and Examination Surveys 2015-20182021
In 630 US women aged 20–50, highest-quartile dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with 54% lower metabolic syndrome odds (OR 0.46) versus the lowest quartile.
98.SupplementDEX Database: Nearsightedness (High myopia) — Efficacy of lutein supplements on macular pigment optical density in highly myopic individuals: A randomized controlled trial2023
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in highly myopic patients (axial length >26 mm) showing that lutein (20 mg/day) for 6 months increased macular pigment optical density in the subgroup with axial length under ~28.25 mm, though overall group differences were not statistically significant.
99.SupplementDEX Database: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma — Carotenoid intake and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies2017
A meta-analysis found higher intakes of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein/zeaxanthin were associated with 13–20% lower non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk.
SupplementDEX Database · Obesity
2 references100.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Effect of lutein supplementation on blood lipids and advanced glycation end products in adults with central obesity: a double-blind randomized controlled trial2025
In 117 centrally obese adults, 32 weeks of lutein 10 mg/day significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, apoB, and advanced glycation end products versus placebo.
101.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Lutein supplementation combined with a low-calorie diet in middle-aged obese individuals: effects on anthropometric indices, body composition and metabolic parameters2021
In 48 obese middle-aged adults on a low-calorie diet, 10 weeks of lutein 20 mg/day reduced body fat percentage and total cholesterol more than diet plus placebo.
SupplementDEX Database · Pancreatic cancer
1 reference102.SupplementDEX Database: Pancreatic cancer — Association between intake of antioxidants and pancreatic cancer risk: a meta-analysis2016
A meta-analysis found higher dietary selenium, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin were associated with lower pancreatic cancer risk; lutein/zeaxanthin showed no significant association.
SupplementDEX Database · Parkinson's disease
1 reference103.SupplementDEX Database: Parkinson's disease — Vitamin A and carotenoids and the risk of Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis2014
A meta-analysis of 13 epidemiologic studies found no significant overall association between lutein intake or blood levels and Parkinson's disease risk, though case-control data suggested a possible inverse lutein association.
SupplementDEX Database · Pre-eclampsia
2 references104.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Dietary carotenoid intake and risk of developing preeclampsia: a hospital-based case-control study2022
In 440 preeclampsia cases and 440 matched controls in China, higher dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower preeclampsia odds (OR 0.32 highest vs lowest quartile).
105.SupplementDEX Database: Pre-eclampsia — Plasma carotenoids, retinol, tocopherols, and lipoproteins in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant Zimbabwean women2003
In 359 pregnant Zimbabwean women, higher plasma beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin were inversely associated with preeclampsia risk after adjustment.
106.SupplementDEX Database: Respiratory tract infections — Plasma carotenoid concentrations in relation to acute respiratory infections in elderly people2004
In 652 elderly adults, those in the highest beta-carotene quartile had 29% lower acute respiratory infection incidence (IRR 0.71) versus the lowest quartile; lutein/zeaxanthin showed no association.
SupplementDEX Database · Stomach cancer
2 references107.SupplementDEX Database: Stomach cancer — Not all carotenoids can reduce the risk of gastric cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis2024
A meta-analysis found case-control studies linked lutein to lower gastric cancer risk, but cohort studies and RCT evidence did not support carotenoid supplementation for gastric cancer prevention.
108.SupplementDEX Database: Stomach cancer — Association of carotenoids with risk of gastric cancer: A meta-analysis2016
A meta-analysis of 96,691 participants found case-control studies linked beta-carotene and alpha-carotene to lower gastric cancer risk, but cohort data were inconsistent for lutein and other carotenoids.
SupplementDEX Database · Ulcerative colitis
1 reference109.SupplementDEX Database: Ulcerative colitis — Intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin as a Possible Factor Influencing Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Caucasian Individuals with Ulcerative Colitis in Remission Phase2019
In 56 ulcerative colitis patients in remission, higher lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with lower constipation incidence (p = 0.013) but not other GI symptoms.