Lutein
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Lutein (Lutein (Xanthophyll Carotenoid, from Tagetes erecta or dietary sources)) is a dietary supplement with 6 published peer-reviewed studies involving 40,994 participants, researched for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Cataract Prevention, Skin Photoprotection.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
ModerateCataract Prevention
ModerateSkin Photoprotection
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
To assess whether lutein plus zeaxanthin reduces the risk of advanced AMD progression.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled (AREDS2)
Purpose
To assess whether lutein plus zeaxanthin reduces the risk of advanced AMD progression.
Dose
10 mg/day lutein + 2 mg/day zeaxanthin
Participants
4,203 participants at risk of AMD progression
Duration
5 years
Results
Lutein/zeaxanthin reduced risk of AMD progression by 26% in participants with lowest dietary intake. Lutein is now the recommended replacement for beta-carotene in AMD formulas.
How They Measured It
Progression to advanced AMD, central geographic atrophy, neovascular AMD
To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation including lutein on delaying AMD progression.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation including lutein on delaying AMD progression.
Dose
Various lutein-containing supplements
Participants
Meta-analysis across multiple AMD RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Lutein-containing supplements significantly slowed AMD progression. MPOD increased significantly. Lutein associated with improved BCVA in early-to-intermediate AMD.
How They Measured It
BCVA, AMD severity grading, visual field, MPOD
To evaluate 12 months of lutein supplementation on macular pigment and visual function in early AMD.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate 12 months of lutein supplementation on macular pigment and visual function in early AMD.
Dose
10 mg/day lutein
Participants
90 patients with early AMD
Duration
12 months
Results
Lutein supplementation significantly increased MPOD. Glare sensitivity and contrast sensitivity improved significantly vs placebo. BCVA was maintained while placebo group showed slight decline.
How They Measured It
MPOD, glare sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, BCVA
Cataract Prevention
To evaluate the effect of lutein supplementation on nuclear cataract progression and visual acuity.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of lutein supplementation on nuclear cataract progression and visual acuity.
Dose
15 mg lutein (3 times weekly)
Participants
17 patients with age-related cataracts
Duration
2 years
Results
Lutein supplementation significantly improved visual acuity and glare sensitivity. Nuclear cataract progression was slower in the lutein group. Serum lutein increased ~5-fold, indicating good bioavailability.
How They Measured It
Nuclear cataract grading, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare disability
To investigate the relationship between dietary lutein intake and incidence of age-related cataract.
Study Type
Prospective cohort study
Purpose
To investigate the relationship between dietary lutein intake and incidence of age-related cataract.
Dose
Dietary lutein (highest vs lowest quintiles)
Participants
36,644 male health professionals
Duration
8 years follow-up
Results
Men in the highest quintile of lutein intake had a 19% lower risk of cataract extraction vs lowest quintile. Lutein-rich foods (spinach, kale) showed strongest inverse association.
How They Measured It
Dietary assessment, cataract grading by lens photographs
Skin Photoprotection
To evaluate oral and topical lutein on skin photoprotection, hydration, elasticity, and lipid content.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate oral and topical lutein on skin photoprotection, hydration, elasticity, and lipid content.
Dose
10 mg/day oral lutein ± topical lutein
Participants
40 adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Oral lutein significantly increased skin photoprotection (MED increased 48%), skin hydration, and elasticity vs placebo. Topical plus oral lutein showed additive benefits. Lutein acts as an internal photoprotectant.
How They Measured It
Minimal erythema dose (MED), Corneometry, skin surface lipid content, Cutometer
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lutein research
There are currently 6 peer-reviewed studies on Lutein (Lutein (Xanthophyll Carotenoid, from Tagetes erecta or dietary sources)), involving 40,994 total participants. Research covers Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cataract prevention, Visual acuity & contrast sensitivity and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Lutein has been researched for: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cataract prevention, Visual acuity & contrast sensitivity, Skin photoprotection. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 6 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
