Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplements and markers of inflammation in people
What it found
Taking lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin for six months lowered certain inflammation signals and oxidised fat particles in the blood.
This was seen in people compared with a placebo group.
What they found
Studies in people
Carotenoid levels rose
After six months, blood levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin went up in the supplement group compared with the placebo group.
Lower inflammation signals
The supplement group had smaller amounts of two inflammation signals called IL-1β and TNF-α in their blood after six months.
Less oxidised LDL fat
Blood levels of oxidised LDL, a type of damaged fat particle linked to artery disease, fell in the group taking the supplements.
What the authors conclude
- They conclude that taking lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin lowered inflammation signals and oxidised fat particles in the blood.
- Their results suggest these carotenoids work throughout the body to reduce processes involved in artery plaque buildup.
How it was done
Inflammation and oxidation play key roles in the buildup of fatty deposits inside blood vessels. The authors wanted to see if these carotenoid supplements could lower those processes in the body.
People were randomly split into two groups in a double blind trial. One group took daily capsules containing 10 mg of lutein, 10 mg of meso-zeaxanthin and 2 mg of zeaxanthin. The other group took a placebo made of sunflower oil, and both were followed for six months.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This trial lasted six months, so it cannot show what happens over many years of taking these supplements.
- It measured blood markers rather than actual heart attacks or strokes, so it cannot prove the supplements prevent artery disease.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- Declaration of competing interest N.S. has performed consultancy work for Industrial Organica. M.G. has performed consultancy work for Industrial Organica and MacuHealth LLC. A.P.-C. is co-founder of Supplement Certified Ltd. W.R. declares no conflict of interest. R.M. declares no conflict of interest. J.M.N. does consultancy work as a director of NOW Science Consultancy Ltd. for companies with an interest in food supplements and also is a director of Supplement Certified Ltd.
- Authors work at
- Southeast Technical University, Ireland; Northern Arizona University, USA
The paper
- Title
- Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation attenuates inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative cardiovascular processes in humans
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Stringham NT, Green M, Roche W, Prado-Cabrero A, Mulcahy R, Nolan J (2024). Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation attenuates inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative cardiovascular processes in humans. Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2024.05.009PubMed 38890092DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error