Lutein
OTHER NAME(S): lutein
Overview
Lutein is a type of nutrient called a carotenoid that is found in eggs and various vegetables. It is available over-the-counter as a supplement and seems to be well tolerated. When combined with certain nutrients in specific amounts, lutein may be helpful in people with an eye condition known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is also interest in using it to improve general eye health and prevent cataracts, but its benefits for these uses are not well defined. Before taking lutein, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.
Uses
What is lutein used for?
Lutein is used along with other nutrients for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also used for cataracts and to improve general eye health, but its benefits for these uses are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed lutein for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does lutein work (mechanism of action)?
Lutein is a type of nutrient known as a carotenoid. It is found in various foods, including eggs and many vegetables such as kale, spinach, and bell peppers. Most dietary supplements that contain lutein are made from marigold flowers.
Lutein and another carotenoid, zeaxanthin, play an important role in the health of your eyes. When you eat foods that contain these carotenoids, they collect in the lens, retina, and macula of your eyes. Your eyes store lutein and also turn it into another important nutrient called meso-zeaxanthin.
There is evidence that taking a specific combination of ingredients that contains lutein may be helpful for a condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Research shows that taking this specific combination for many years may help to protect vision in people with this condition and reduce their risk of developing a more severe form of AMD. The combination, known as AREDS2, provides a specific amount of vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. People who do not get enough carotenoids from their diet may benefit the most from taking this supplement.
Although there is also interest in taking lutein to reduce the risk of cataracts and improve vision and overall eye health, its benefits for these uses are not well defined.
How should I store lutein?
You should store lutein according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of lutein?
Lutein seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of lutein that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of lutein?
While less common, the most serious side effects of lutein are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lutein may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking lutein and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use lutein?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lutein.
- Lutein
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lutein products they stock.
What should I know about lutein before using it?
Lutein is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep lutein out of the reach of children.
Taking large amounts of lutein regularly for a long time can cause your skin to turn yellow-orange (carotenoderma). This change in skin color is not harmful and should go away if you reduce the amount of lutein in your diet and the supplements you are taking.
Lutein is a type of carotenoid. Some carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are known as provitamin A carotenoids because your body can turn them into vitamin A. But your body does not turn lutein into vitamin A, and lutein does not help to increase your vitamin A levels.
Dietary supplements that contain lutein often contain other nutrients as well, including zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Your eyes naturally turn lutein into meso-zeaxanthin. Taking lutein can increase your levels of both lutein and meso-zeaxanthin.
The FDA has not tested lutein products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using lutein?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if lutein is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Allergies to Marigolds and Certain Plants.Many lutein supplements are made from marigolds, which are flowers in the Asteraceae (daisy) family of plants. People who have an allergy to marigolds or other plants in this family may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to products made from marigolds. Some examples of other common plants in the Asteraceae family include arnica, echinacea, chamomile, yarrow, ragweed, asters, and chrysanthemums. If you have an allergy to one of these plants, talk to your health care provider before taking lutein products made from marigolds.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lutein could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Lutein is a normal part of breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take lutein while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does lutein interact with foods or drinks?
You should take lutein with food or a meal that has fat in it. Lutein is fat-soluble, which means that taking it with fat helps your body absorb it.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lutein.
Does lutein interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between lutein and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with lutein is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking lutein with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much lutein?
If you or someone else has used too much lutein, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Lutein is often combined with other nutrients. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take lutein safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- DermNet: “Carotenoderma,” “Marigold.”
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]: “Carrot.”
- EFSA Journal: “Statement on the safety assessment of the exposure to lutein preparations based on new data on the use levels of lutein,” “Scientific opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to lutein and maintenance of normal vision (ID 1603, 1604, further assessment) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.”
- Nutrients: “Lutein and zeaxanthin and their roles in age-related macular degeneration – neurodegenerative disease.”
- Progress in Retinal and Eye Research: “Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin: the basic and clinical science underlying carotenoid-based nutritional interventions against ocular disease.”