Lutein
Lutein is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in leafy greens such as kale and spinach and in egg yolk. It collects in the macula, the central part of the retina.
What did the eye trials actually find?
AREDS2 enrolled 4,203 adults at high risk of advanced AMD. Adding 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin daily to the existing AREDS formula did not significantly reduce progression in the primary five-year analysis. The trial also found more lung cancers in the beta-carotene group, mostly among former smokers, making lutein plus zeaxanthin an appropriate substitute. 1
The clinical use is the complete AREDS2 formula in eligible AMD patients. Evidence for that combination should not be attributed to lutein alone or extended to people without AMD. 2
Can it help with memory or brain fog?
A small year-long trial in 44 older adults found better preservation of performance on a word-learning task with lutein plus zeaxanthin. Yet a meta-analysis of adult randomized trials found no statistically significant pooled improvement in memory, attention or executive function, the skills used to plan and manage tasks. 3 4
Does it protect skin from sunlight?
A German crossover trial enrolled 65 healthy volunteers and tested lutein or a tomato nutrient complex during two 12-week treatment periods. Lutein reduced UV-triggered changes in skin gene activity, with weaker effects when it followed placebo. This is an interesting biological response, not a demonstrated reduction in wrinkles or skin cancer. 5
The trial measured molecular responses to controlled UV exposure, not a lasting improvement in skin texture. 5
What does an antioxidant result mean?
In a 12-week trial of 117 healthy nonsmokers, a marker of lipid oxidation fell in the group receiving 20 mg lutein daily. The inflammatory marker CRP was also lower than with placebo. These blood measurements support an antioxidant hypothesis; the study did not test prevention of heart attacks or longer life. 6
A short biomarker trial gives a research signal, rather than proof of better long-term health. 6
Changes in oxidation markers are not evidence that lutein slows human aging. 6
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity2 effects
Organ Function1 effect
Hair & Skin1 effect
Cognition2 effects
All studies
15 publications are linked to Lutein, newest first.