Lutein
Also known as: xanthophyll, marigold extract, FloraGLO, Lutemax, lutein esters
Lutein is a yellow xanthophyll carotenoid that concentrates in the macula of the eye, where it filters blue light and quenches reactive oxygen species. Supplement-grade lutein is extracted from marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers and sold as free lutein or lutein esters. It is the anchor ingredient of most eye-health formulas and appears in general antioxidant, skin, and multivitamin blends, usually paired with zeaxanthin at roughly a 5:1 ratio.
Research summary
Accumulates in macular pigment, absorbing short-wavelength light and acting as a lipid-phase antioxidant.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | 10–20 mg | — | — |
AREDS2 used 10 mg lutein with 2 mg zeaxanthin daily. Fat-soluble, so absorption is better with a meal containing fat. Macular pigment rises slowly over months; several months of daily use are typical in studies. Products commonly deliver 10–20 mg; the 20 mg upper bound reflects market practice rather than a single verified trial dose.
Standardization: free lutein or lutein esters, assayed as lutein (commonly 5%, 10%, or 20% beadlets; oleoresin 20–80%)
Source material: marigold (Tagetes erecta) flower oleoresin
As supplied: Assumes 20% lutein beadlets (5 mg raw material per 1 mg lutein). Adjust for 5% or 10% grades or oleoresin.
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Oil-dispersible; softgel or oil suspension is common, but beadlet grades work in capsules, tablets, and gummies. Deep orange color stains; protect from light and oxygen.
Formulation notes
Competes with beta-carotene for absorption when dosed together at high levels; otherwise formulation-friendly.
Sources
- Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. (AREDS2 Research Group, 2013)PubMed
- Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density. (Ma, 2016)PubMed
- Examine — LuteinExamine
Related ingredients
Astaxanthin
AntioxidantAstaxanthin is a red keto-carotenoid produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and responsible for the pink color of salmon and krill.
Typical: 4–12 mg
Beta-Carotene
VitaminBeta-carotene is an orange plant pigment that the body can split into retinol as needed, which is why it is called provitamin A.
Typical: 3–15 mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Vitamin E (d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate)
VitaminThe succinate ester of natural (RRR or d-) alpha-tocopherol, the one vitamin E form the body maintains in plasma and the form on which the RDA is based.
Typical: 67–268 mg
Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate)
VitaminRetinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and the most common preformed vitamin A used in supplements and multivitamins.
Typical: 750–1,050 mcg