Lutein

Lutein

• What Is It and How Does It Work in the Body?

  • Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid that works as an antioxidant and blue light filter. In the body, it functions to protect ocular tissues. In animal studies, it inhibits monocyte-mediated inflammation and protects against macular degeneration.

• What Is It Used For and at What Dosage?

  • In terms of use, although with limited data, lutein can potentially be used for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. There is possible use for cancer and cardiovascular health. For dosing, 5 mg daily or 10–20 mg daily for 3–6 months has been studied in clinical trials.

• Evidence for or Against Its Different Uses (broken down by evidence for Each Use):

  • In terms of use, lutein can be used for eye health and cancer. One study performed in China observed 121 patients who supplemented their diet with 20 mg per day of lutein. It found that there was significant improvement in the central macular pigment optical density. In a meta-analysis of six studies, researchers found a significant correlation of lutein reducing the risk of early age-related macular degeneration. Evidence also shows some association between lutein and age-related cataracts; however, the results are mixed. For example, one meta-analysis shows lutein significantly reduced the risk of cataracts. This contrasts with another meta-analysis which found that lutein and zeaxanthin had a significant reduction in nuclear cataracts but not cortical or subscapular. There was no difference found between lutein supplementation and retinitis pigmentosa. Likewise, there was no correlation between lutein and its protection of retinopathy of prematurity. There is still limited to no clinical trials of lutein and cancer.

• Safety Concerns, Side Effects, and Precautions:

  • Generally, there are no safety concerns of lutein in the body.

• Interactions with Medications:

  • There are no studied interactions with medications. However, beta-carotene and lutein may compete for absorption and cause lower levels of lutein.