Lutein

Studies in people

• No harm found

  Vision loss in older adults¹

  In people at risk of vision loss, lutein plus zeaxanthin did not further lower the chance of the disease getting worse.

• Benefit

  Heart artery health²

  In people, lutein with two related carotenoids lowered blood markers of inflammation and oxidized fats tied to artery plaque.

• No harm found

  Lung cancer risk³

  In people with AMD, lutein/zeaxanthin showed no big lung cancer risk, unlike beta carotene.

• Benefit

  Children's eye and brain health⁴

  In children, lutein gummies improved eye strain, focus and memory over six months.

• Benefit

  Dry eye symptoms⁵

  In people, lutein with zeaxanthin and elderberry eased dry eye symptoms over 20 days.

Study type not stated

• Benefit

  Eye health⁶

  Lutein is found in the eye and may help protect against eye problems like macular degeneration.

• Benefit

  Eye health and vision⁷

  Lutein is a yellow pigment from leafy greens that collects in the eye and may help protect vision.

• Benefit

  Antioxidant roles in plants⁸

  In plants and humans, lutein and zeaxanthin have several protective roles, the review says.

• Benefit

  Eye and brain health⁹

  Lutein, found in leafy greens and eggs, may help with eye and brain problems, but scientists do not yet know for sure.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.