Lutein + zeaxanthin
Macular carotenoids with NEJM/JAMA-tier RCT support (AREDS2) for slowing age-related macular degeneration progression.
Why
Lutein and zeaxanthin are dietary carotenoids that concentrate in the macula of the retina, the macular pigment. The AREDS2 trial (Chew JAMA 2013, n=4,203) tested lutein 10 mg + zeaxanthin 2 mg daily in adults at intermediate or advanced AMD; the lutein/zeaxanthin combination significantly reduced progression to advanced AMD in subjects with low dietary intake. Lutein/zeaxanthin is now part of the AMD nutritional standard of care and replaced beta-carotene in the AREDS2 formulation (lower lung cancer risk in former smokers).
How it works
Filter blue light at the macula and quench reactive oxygen species generated by photoreceptor metabolism. Cross the blood-retinal barrier and concentrate in macular pigment, increasing optical density and contrast sensitivity.
Expected onset · Macular pigment optical density changes over 3–6 months; AMD progression endpoints over 3–5 years
How to take
Dosage
AREDS2 dose: 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin per day. Higher doses (up to 20 mg lutein) have been used in shorter trials without added benefit.
Timing
Once daily with a meal containing fat for absorption
On the label
10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin (AREDS2 dose). Free-form (FloraGLO) or from marigold extract (Tagetes erecta).
Ideal for
Adults with intermediate or advanced AMD in one eye; people with low dietary intake of leafy greens (the principal food source); adults with strong family history of AMD as nutritional risk-reduction.
Safety
Evidence
AREDS2 (Chew 2013 JAMA, n=4,203 AMD patients): 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin daily reduced progression to advanced AMD by ~10% overall and by ~26% in subjects with low baseline dietary intake. Wu 2015 25-year follow-up confirmed dietary lutein/zeaxanthin intake correlated with reduced AMD incidence. AREDS2 dose now replaces beta-carotene in the standard formulation.
- Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group, JAMA 2013, lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for AMD progression (RCT, n=4,203)
- Chew et al., Ophthalmology 2014, secondary analyses of the effects of lutein/zeaxanthin on AMD progression: AREDS2 report no. 3
- Wu et al., JAMA Ophthalmol 2015, intakes of lutein, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids and AMD risk: 25-year follow-up
Where to get it
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