Compound or practice · Supplement
Lutein & Zeaxanthin
Eye-protective carotenoids with real evidence for slowing age-related macular degeneration.
- Overall grade
- Grade B
- Last revised
- 2
- graded outcomes
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
2 at grade B · 1 at grade C — 3 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- AMD progression (at-risk)Evidence grade B
AREDS2
Moderatehigh
- Visual performance / glareEvidence grade C
Modest
Smallmixed
Conditions
How the entry reads its effect on diagnosed conditions: the direction first, then the grade. Never a substitute for the person who treats you.
- Age-related macular degeneration May improveEvidence grade BSlows progressionGrade B
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Visual performance / glare (grade C).
The evidence in words
What it is
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids concentrated in the retina's macula, used for eye health.
How it works
They form macular pigment that filters blue light and quenches oxidative stress in the retina.
What the evidence shows
The large AREDS2 trial supports lutein/zeaxanthin (replacing beta-carotene) in slowing progression of advanced age-related macular degeneration in at-risk people. Some evidence for visual/glare performance and possibly cognition. A well-supported eye nutrient.
How to use it
10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin/day (the AREDS2 amounts), with fat.
Safety & interactions
Very safe.
Bottom line
Genuinely evidence-based for at-risk eyes (AREDS2). 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin with a meal.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin/day with fat.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin for Age-related macular degenerationEvidence grade B — Slows progressionEvidence grade B
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin for AMD progression (at-risk)Evidence grade B — AREDS2Evidence grade B
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin for Visual performance / glareEvidence grade C — ModestEvidence grade C
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin: dosage and how to take it10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin/day with fat.Evidence grade B
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.