Lutein and zeaxanthin for age-related macular degeneration in 4203 people
What it found
Adding lutein and zeaxanthin to a standard eye supplement did not significantly lower the chance of advanced macular degeneration over five years.
The trial involved 4203 older adults.
What they found
Studies in people
Advanced eye disease progression
About 29% of eyes taking lutein and zeaxanthin worsened to advanced macular degeneration by 5 years, compared with 31% on the dummy pill. This difference was not statistically significant.
Omega-3 fats alone
Taking omega-3 fats without lutein and zeaxanthin led to progression in 31% of eyes, about the same as the dummy pill group.
Both supplements together
Taking lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fats together led to progression in 30% of eyes. This was not significantly different from the dummy pill.
Changing the base formula
Removing beta carotene or lowering the zinc dose in the standard eye supplement did not noticeably change how many eyes progressed.
Lung cancer and beta carotene
More lung cancers occurred in the group taking beta carotene than in the group without it (23 vs 11 cases). Most were in former smokers.
What the authors conclude
- They found that adding lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fats, or both to the standard eye supplement did not further lower the risk of advanced macular degeneration in their main analysis.
- They suggest lutein and zeaxanthin could replace beta carotene in the formula because beta carotene was linked to more lung cancers in former smokers.
How it was done
An existing vitamin and mineral mix is known to slow worsening of age-related macular degeneration. Earlier observational work suggested that adding lutein, zeaxanthin or omega-3 fats might help even more.
Researchers gave 4203 people aged 50 to 85 daily pills containing lutein (10 mg) plus zeaxanthin (2 mg), omega-3 fats, both, or a dummy pill. Everyone also took a standard eye supplement or a version with less zinc or no beta carotene. They followed participants for a median of 5 years.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This trial tested these nutrients only in people who already had early signs of macular degeneration. It cannot show whether they prevent the condition in people with healthy eyes.
- The study lasted a median of 5 years, so longer-term effects remain unknown.
Who paid
- Funding
- Funded by PHS HHS; NEI NIH HHS; Intramural NIH HHS (from the PubMed record).
The paper
- Title
- Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.4997PubMed 23644932DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error