Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eye and Brain Conditions
What it found
Lutein and zeaxanthin are taken up by the eye and brain, and studies in people suggest they may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, though results are mixed.
Some trials found no clear benefit for AMD or cognitive function.
What they found
Studies in people
AMD risk reduction
A meta-analysis found that dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin led to a 4% reduction in the risk of developing early AMD and a 26% reduction for late AMD. One trial reported a 10% decrease in progression to advanced neovascular AMD.
Mixed AMD trial results
The AREDS2 trial could not confidently show protective effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on AMD. Some trials found that macular pigment density increased after lutein supplementation, but visual function did not improve significantly.
Cataract risk
A longitudinal study found that plasma zeaxanthin reduced the risk of cataract. A meta-analysis found no significant protective effects for most cataract subtypes, except a borderline association between blood lutein and subcapsular cataract.
Cognitive function
Older adults with higher macular pigment optical density had better results on various cognitive tests. In a trial of women, lutein supplementation improved verbal fluency, and a combination with DHA improved memory and learning.
Lung cancer risk in smokers
Increased risk of lung cancer was seen in smokers after lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation. Smokers who take high doses of lutein have an increased risk of lung cancer.
Skin yellowing
Continuous intake of high doses of lutein (15 mg/d or more) for 2 to 5 months can cause yellowing of the skin. This change is reversible and does not damage organs.
What the authors conclude
- They suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin may play a protective role in retinal cells, such as preventing AMD, ARC, and cognitive decline.
- They recommend that the dietary intake of lutein supplements does not exceed 6 mg/d, especially for smokers.
- They advise that lutein supplements can be tried in a discontinuous manner to avoid yellow skin, and further research is needed.
How it was done
The authors wanted to review how lutein and zeaxanthin affect visual disorders and cognition diseases, and to discuss appropriate consumption amounts and side effects.
They reviewed studies in people, animals, and cells on lutein and zeaxanthin, including trials in AMD patients, cataract studies, and cognitive function research. They also examined dietary intake surveys and safety evaluations.
What it can’t tell you
- Many findings come from studies that follow people over time or surveys, which can show links but not cause and effect.
- Some results are from animal or cell studies, which cannot show what happens in people.
- The review cannot settle whether lutein and zeaxanthin protect against early AMD or improve cognition in all groups.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- The authors report no conflict of interest.
- Authors work at
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
The paper
- Title
- The Pharmacological Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Visual Disorders and Cognition Diseases
- 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
- Jia YP, Sun L, Yu HS, et al (2017). The Pharmacological Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Visual Disorders and Cognition Diseases. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). doi:10.3390/molecules22040610Free full textPubMed 28425969DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error