Lutein · Lutein (xanthophyll carotenoid)
A carotenoid concentrated in the eye's macula, backed by the large AREDS2 Phase 3 trial for slowing age-related macular degeneration progression, with additional evidence for cognitive benefits.
Short answer
Lutein (Lutein (xanthophyll carotenoid)) is a antioxidant / eye and cognitive aging support with evidence grade A, meaning it is well-supported by replicated human trials. We track 1 produkter containing Lutein. Typical doses range from 10 to 10 mg per portion. The top-ranked product scores 6.4 out of 10 on our composite scale (dose, evidence, price, testing, transparency). Prices range up to $50.00 per månad.
Top Lutein produkter
| Product | Varumärke | Dose | Pris/mo | 3rd-party tested | Poäng |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemme NAD+ | 10 mg | $50.00 | No | 6.4 |
Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard. Se how we score.
What it is
Lutein is a yellow-orange pigment (carotenoid) found in leafy greens, corn, and egg yolks, which the body concentrates specifically in the macula of the eye (part of the retina responsible for central, detailed vision).
Why people take it
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cognitive decline are both major contributors to loss of quality of life and independence in aging. Lutein (with its close relative zeaxanthin) is the best-evidenced compound on this list for a specific age-related disease outcome — a large NIH-funded Phase 3 trial (AREDS2) directly demonstrated reduced disease progression.
Our verdict
This is genuinely strong, large-scale RCT evidence (AREDS2, n=4,203, 5 years) for slowing macular degeneration progression, one of the most rigorous longevity/aging-disease trials on this entire list. Cognitive benefit evidence is more mixed, with the main AREDS2 ancillary cognitive study showing no overall benefit, though smaller separate RCTs found positive effects on attention and memory.
Structure & class
Lutein and its stereoisomer/relative zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids that accumulate specifically in the macula (as "macular pigment") and lens, functioning as blue-light filters and localized antioxidants.
Mechanism & clinical data
The AREDS2 trial (Chew et al. 2013, JAMA) randomized 4,203 participants at risk for advanced AMD to formulations including 10 mg lutein plus 2 mg zeaxanthin daily, or other combinations, over 5 years, finding reduced progression to late AMD, particularly favorable versus the beta-carotene-containing arm (hazard ratio 0.85, p=0.02). Long-term follow-up (AREDS2 Report 28) confirmed durability of the effect. A dedicated cognitive ancillary study within AREDS2 found no significant overall cognitive benefit, but a separate smaller RCT (n=51, 12 mg/day L+Z combined for 1 year) found improved complex attention and cognitive flexibility, and another RCT (n=90, 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin, 6 months) found improved visual episodic memory and learning.
Pharmacokinetics
Lutein has a relatively long tissue half-life in the macula/retina (weeks to months of accumulation and depletion), though plasma half-life after single dosing is shorter (on the order of days); trial benefits require months to years of continuous supplementation.
Dose & forms
What to watch out for
Fat-soluble compound requiring dietary fat for optimal absorption; excessive doses may cause carotenodermia (yellowish skin discoloration), which is cosmetic and reversible; smokers should be cautious with high-dose beta-carotene combination produkter (though lutein/zeaxanthin themselves were the AREDS2-preferred alternative specifically due to beta-carotene's lung cancer risk in smokers).
Where this dose comes from
The trial dose above is our editorial pick from the published human trials for this ingredient. We choose the dose that the best-available studies used on the endpoint most relevant to longevity. The range shows the lowest and highest doses tested in published trials. The landmark studies below are the papers we read to set it. You can click through and check our work.
When new trials publish, our automated sweeps flag them. If a new study materially changes the dose, we update it through editorial review and record the old dose, new dose, and the triggering study in every affected product's recommendation history. The dose is never changed automatically.
Regelverk status
Timeline
Regelverk events, evidence grade changes, and key research milestones for Lutein, most recent first. Every entry links to its primär source.
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EU Court sharpens the bar for botanical health claimsA Court of Justice of the European Union ruling in april 2025 further tightened the requirements for how botanical ingredients (herbs, plant extracts) can be marketed with health claims in the EU, effectively removing much of the flexibility of the on-hold list.
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EU report identifies 117 supplement substances as potential health risksThe HoA Working Group on Food Supplements (26 European countries) published its first report evaluating 117 substances used in food supplements. Of these, 65 were assessed as likely novel foods, 6 were already regulated, 34 had insufficient data, and 12 were prioritized for Article 8 restriction under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The 12 priority substances include ashwagandha, curcumin, melatonin, piperine, St. John's wort, coumarin, p-synephrine, maca, holy basil, Melaleuca, black cohosh, and L-tryptophan. The report drew on 1,500 RASFF alerts reviewed between 2017 and mid-2022.
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Chew EY, et al. (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Studie 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. PMID 23644932.Chew EY, et al. (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Studie 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. PMID 23644932.
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EU Health Claims Regulation adoptedRegulation (EC) No 1924/2006 laid down harmonised rules for nutrition and health claims made on foods, including supplements. Only claims listed in the EU Register of authorised claims can be used. Rejected botanical claims are held in a separate on-hold list.
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EU introduces the Novel Food RegulationRegulation (EC) No 258/97 required any food or food ingredient without a history of consumption in the EU before 15 maj 1997 to be authorised before being placed on the market. This is the framework that captures NMN, spermidine as a supplement ingredient, urolithin A, and many other longevity actives.
Landmark studies
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Chew EY, et al. (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Studie 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. PMID 23644932.
Chew EY, et al. (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Studie 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. PMID 23644932.
Läs studie →
Found in these produkter (1)
Alla produkter in our catalog that contain Lutein, ranked by our overall score. Ranking is editorial, never paid.
Buying guides and comparisons
Related ingredients
Se alla in Antioxidant / Eye and cognitive aging support →Molekyler in the same class, plus the actives most often formulated alongside Lutein in our catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lutein?
Lutein is a yellow-orange pigment (carotenoid) found in leafy greens, corn, and egg yolks, which the body concentrates specifically in the macula of the eye (part of the retina responsible for central, detailed vision).
What dose of Lutein should I take?
The trial dose in published human studies is 10 mg per dag, with a range of 10 to 20 mg per dag. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement.
Is Lutein safe?
Fat-soluble compound requiring dietary fat for optimal absorption; excessive doses may cause carotenodermia (yellowish skin discoloration), which is cosmetic and reversible; smokers should be cautious with high-dose beta-carotene combination produkter (though lutein/zeaxanthin themselves were the AREDS2-preferred alternative specifically due to beta-carotene's lung cancer risk in smokers).
What is the best Lutein supplement?
We track 1 produkter containing Lutein. The top-ranked product scores 6.4 out of 10 on our composite scale, which evaluates dose, evidence, price, third-party testing, and transparency. See the comparison table above. Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard.
What is the evidence grade for Lutein?
Lutein has evidence grade A, meaning it is well-supported by replicated human trials. Grade A means replicated human RCTs with hard endpoints. Grade B means human RCTs with biomarker outcomes. Grade C means mixed or small human trials. See our evidence grading methodology.
Data verification
Bevisning grades are reviewed when new human RCTs are published. Product counts update automatically as new produkter are added. Dose ranges reflect published trial data, not brand recommendations. Read how we verify.