Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Food and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
What it found
Diets higher in lutein and zeaxanthin are linked to lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, especially the late form.
Supplements helped mainly in people whose diets were low in these carotenoids.
What they found
Studies in people
Late AMD risk
A 2012 review of six long-term cohort studies found that high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin was linked to lower risk of late AMD. The link was not seen for early AMD.
Supplements in AREDS2
In the AREDS2 trial, lutein and zeaxanthin supplements lowered progression to advanced AMD only in people whose diets were low in these carotenoids. When the background diet was already sufficient, the supplements made no extra difference.
Visual performance
A 2015 analysis of seven trials found that lutein and zeaxanthin supplements improved visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in people with AMD, with larger improvements at higher doses. These improvements were linked to increases in macular pigment optical density.
Macular pigment density
A 2016 analysis of 20 randomised controlled trials found that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplements improved macular pigment optical density in healthy people and in AMD patients. The improvements went up with dose and were linked to higher blood levels of these carotenoids.
Eggs and blood levels
One egg a day for five weeks raised blood lutein by 26% and zeaxanthin by 38%. Three eggs a day for 12 weeks raised blood lutein by 21% and zeaxanthin by 48% in 20 adults with metabolic syndrome.
Other findings
Food sources and absorption
Most vegetable sources contain only lutein, while corn and eggs contain both lutein and zeaxanthin. Eating fat at the same meal, such as oil or eggs, increases absorption of these carotenoids, and cooking can lower their content but improve how well they are absorbed.
What the authors conclude
“Current evidence suggests that higher dietary intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin are likely to play an important role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).”
Also in their conclusions
- They say that higher dietary intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin are likely to play an important role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration.
- They advise a diet high in a variety of foods, including plenty of leafy green vegetables, plus eggs and selected nuts to increase variety and improve absorption.
- They call for intervention trials testing specific dietary patterns aimed at increasing macular pigment and preventing or delaying AMD progression.
How it was done
The authors wanted to look at the evidence on lutein and zeaxanthin intake and age-related macular degeneration, and to describe food sources and factors that affect how well these carotenoids are absorbed, so they could suggest practical dietary amounts.
They reviewed cohort studies, case-control studies and randomised controlled trials on lutein and zeaxanthin intake and age-related macular degeneration. They also looked at food composition data and studies on absorption, and built dietary models for 5 mg and 10 mg per day.
What it can’t tell you
- The cohort studies can show a link between lutein and zeaxanthin intake and AMD, but they cannot prove that the carotenoids cause the lower risk.
- The randomised trials tested supplements, so their results may not apply to lutein and zeaxanthin from foods.
- The dietary models are suggestions, not tested diets, so it is not known whether following them would prevent AMD.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- Australian Egg Corporation Limited were included in preliminary discussions about the review process, though did not provide editorial input to the review. Food & Nutrition Australia provides independent nutrition advisory services to the Australian Egg Corporation Limited.
- Authors work at
- The University of Sydney, Australia; Westmead Hospital, Australia
The paper
- Title
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin-Food Sources, Bioavailability and Dietary Variety in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Protection
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Eisenhauer B, Natoli S, Liew G, Flood VM (2017). Lutein and Zeaxanthin-Food Sources, Bioavailability and Dietary Variety in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Protection. Nutrients. doi:10.3390/nu9020120Free full textPubMed 28208784DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error