Lutein: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Zeaxanthin
Scientific name(s)
Beta, epsilon-carotene-3, 3'-diol.
Family or group:
Phytosubstances
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Cataract ✪✪✪✪✪
Some population research has shown that higher blood levels and/or dietary intake of lutein are associated with a 25% reduced risk of developing age-related cataracts. Demographic studies have also shown that people who consume higher amounts of lutein in their diet have a reduced risk of developing severe cataracts that require surgical intervention. Clinical research shows that taking 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin orally per day for an average of 4.7 years decreases the risk of needing surgical intervention by 32% in patients with low dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake. Some evidence also suggests that a lutein supplement may be beneficial for patients who already have cataracts.
Posologie
Orally
10 mg
4 - years
Elderly
A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men.
A dose-response meta-analysis of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in relation to risk of age-related cataract.
Association of Blood Antioxidants and Vitamins With Risk of Age-Related Cataract: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Lutein, but Not Alpha-Tocopherol, Supplementation Improves Visual Function in Patients With Age-Related Cataracts: A 2-y Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women.
AMD ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has shown that people who consume larger amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet have a reduced risk of developing AMD. Clinical research shows that taking a supplement of 10 to 20 mg of lutein per day for up to 36 months modestly improves certain aspects of vision, such as macular pigment optical density, the eye's ability to adjust to variable light conditions, the ability to see details of nearby objects (near visual acuity), and the ability to see in conditions of low contrast (contrast sensitivity), in patients with AMD. Another meta-analysis shows that taking a carotenoid (lutein, zeaxanthin, or meso-zeaxanthin) improves macular optical density compared to placebo in patients with or without AMD. Treatment lasting more than 1 year, doses over 10 mg, and treatment combining all three carotenoids are associated with greater improvements in macular optical density. More recently, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that the optical density of macular pigments and visual acuity is significantly corrected in patients with non-exudative AMD, following the intake of a combination of lutein (10-20 mg), zeaxanthin (1-2 mg), omega-3 fatty acids (100-200 mg of docosahexaenoic acid and 30-60 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid), and antioxidants, over a period of 12 months.
Posologie
Orally
10 - 20 mg
36 - months
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intake and the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation and Association With Visual Function in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Lutein Supplementation Over a One-Year Period in Early AMD Might Have a Mild Beneficial Effect on Visual Acuity: The CLEAR Study
Improvement of Retinal Function in Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration After Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Role of Lutein Supplementation in the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Effects of Lutein and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation on Macular Pigment Optical Density in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Zeaxanthin and Visual Function in Patients With Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 973
Effect of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Macular Pigment and Visual Function in Patients With Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated With Macular Pigment Optical Density
Supplementation With All Three Macular Carotenoids: Response, Stability, and Safety
Eye Health ✪✪✪✪✪
Foods containing high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin are more beneficial for eye health than other carotenoids and antioxidants such as vitamin A, lycopene, alpha or beta carotenes, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Indeed, the yellow color of lutein and zeaxanthin is due to their ability to absorb blue light. They act as 'sunglasses' that function as filters for blue light, reducing chromatic aberration and helping to prevent damage to photoreceptors. Moreover, epidemiological research has shown that people who consume larger amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet have a reduced risk of developing AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
Posologie
Orally
6 - 20 mg
Macular Pigment Optical Density and Its Relationship With Serum and Dietary Levels of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Biological Role of Lutein in the Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration
Biologic Mechanisms of the Protective Role of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Eye
Skin Health ✪✪✪✪✪
Lutein and zeaxanthin seem to protect against damage caused by UV radiation through antioxidant effects. According to animal studies, lutein reduces the risk of sunburn, UV-induced immune suppression, reduces reactive oxygen species, and directly protects against photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. There is evidence suggesting that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin could improve overall skin health and help concurrently minimize signs of premature aging.
Posologie
Orally
6 - 10 mg
Vitamin and Carotenoid Intake and Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Dietary Lutein/Zeaxanthin Partially Reduces Photoaging and Photocarcinogenesis in Chronically UVB-irradiated Skh-1 Hairless Mice
Serum Carotenoids and Alpha-Tocopherol and Risk of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma ✪✪✪✪✪
An analysis of observational population research shows that increased dietary consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin is associated with an 18% reduced risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, compared to low dietary consumption. However, no dose-response relationship has been reported. It is unknown whether supplemental lutein has an effect on the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. To reduce the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a high intake of lutein, up to 20 mg per day, has been suggested through dietary means or supplementation.
Posologie
Orally
20 mg
Cognitive Decline ✪✪✪✪✪
Some preliminary clinical research shows that taking 12 mg of lutein alone or with 800 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day for 4 months may improve verbal fluency and memory scores in older women. However, it is unclear whether these effects are due to lutein, DHA, or the combination of both.
Posologie
Orally
12 mg
4 - months
Breast Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has shown that high serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. In particular, high lutein intake (>7 mg/day) has been associated with a 53% reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer.
Posologie
Orally
7 mg
Lung Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Epidemiological research has shown that low serum levels of carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. However, other epidemiological research has shown that higher serum levels or greater dietary intake of lutein are not associated with a reduced risk of developing lung cancer. These results contrast with those of a case-control study involving 108 cases of lung cancer, which found that higher serum carotenoid levels, including lutein and zeaxanthin, were significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer among alcoholic subjects, while having a potential protective effect in non-drinkers.
Posologie
Orally
6 - 10 mg
Lung Cancer Mortality and Serum Levels of Carotenoids, Retinol, Tocopherols, and Folic Acid in Men and Women: A Case-Control Study Nested in the JACC Study
Serum Carotenoids and Mortality From Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study Nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) Study
The Association Between Lung and Prostate Cancer Risk, and Serum Micronutrients: Results and Lessons Learned From Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial
Uterine Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
A study suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin may have a protective effect against cervical cancer and possibly against the persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) (a DNA virus that can be a precursor to ano-genital cancers, including cervical cancer). However, other epidemiological research has shown that low dietary lutein intake does not increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. On the other hand, another epidemiological study found that an intake of more than 7.3 mg/day of lutein was associated with a 70% reduction in the risk of endometrial cancer.
Posologie
Oral
6 - 10 mg
Colorectal Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Some epidemiological research has shown a reduced risk of developing colon cancer in people consuming large amounts of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin. However, other epidemiological research has shown that higher dietary lutein intake is not associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in male smokers. It is unknown whether lutein supplementation affects the risk of colorectal cancer.
Posologie
Oral
6 - 10 mg
Oxidative Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
According to animal studies, lutein would protect against oxidative stress-related damage in rat intestinal tissues following ischemia-reperfusion. Moreover, in a clinical study conducted on rats, lutein supplementation activated the expression of Nrf2-induced antioxidant genes (HO-1, NQO1), and protected OVX rats against inflammatory responses. According to a clinical study on rats, lutein treatment significantly decreases oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, protein carbonylation, and sulfhydryl groups, as well as lipid peroxidation. Additionally, Nrf-2 levels and antioxidant status significantly decreased compared to sham-operated rats.
Posologie
Oral
Properties
Vision
Foods containing high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin are more beneficial for eye health than other carotenoids and antioxidants such as vitamin A, lycopene, alpha or beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Indeed, the yellow color of lutein and zeaxanthin is due to their ability to absorb blue light. They act as "sunglasses" that filter blue light, thus reducing chromatic aberration and preventing photoreceptor damage. On the other hand, it is generally accepted that macular pigment density decreases with age, although results are contradictory. Furthermore, epidemiological evidence has linked high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin to increased optical density of macular pigments and reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Usages associés
Essential
Zeaxanthin and lutein can be considered conditionally essential nutrients because low serum levels or low dietary intake are associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Epidemiological studies have also highlighted an association between low serum carotenoid levels, including lutein and zeaxanthin levels, with all-cause mortality, risk of inflammatory arthritis, prostate cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, persistence of human papillomavirus, type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, chronic cholestatic liver disease, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Some clinical research conducted on healthy adults and postmenopausal women suggests that supplementation with dietary or supplemental lutein decreases DNA strand breaks in lymphocytes caused by oxidative damage. Moreover, in vitro studies on human lens epithelial cells indicate that lutein protects the lens from ultraviolet rays through antioxidant activity. According to animal studies, lutein increases glutathione levels and reduces retinal apoptosis following ischemia-reperfusion. Lutein also significantly protected against oxidative stress-related lesions in rat intestinal tissues following ischemia-reperfusion. Furthermore, in a clinical study on rats, lutein supplementation activated Nrf2-induced antioxidant gene expressions (HO-1, NQO1), and protected OVX rats against inflammatory responses. According to a clinical study on rats, lutein treatment significantly reduces oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, protein carbonylation, and sulfhydryls, lipid peroxidation. In addition, Nrf-2 levels and antioxidant status significantly decreased compared to sham rats. Skeletal IR injuries increased inflammatory signaling by upregulating NF-κB, COX-2, and various pro-inflammatory cytokines. NF-κB, COX-2 expressions were downregulated by lutein treatment.
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
Lutein and zeaxanthin seem to protect against UV-induced damage through antioxidant effects. According to animal studies, lutein reduces the risk of sunburn, as well as UV-induced immunosuppression, reduces reactive oxygen species, and provides direct protection against photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. The protective effect of lutein and zeaxanthin against skin cancer is uncertain. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin could improve overall skin health and simultaneously helps minimize signs of premature aging. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated skin surface lipids, hydration status, photoprotective activity, elasticity, and lipid peroxidation and revealed that oral and/or topical administration of lutein or zeaxanthin provides antioxidant protection. This protection is greater with combined administration of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Lutein supplementation (20 mg per day) in individuals with early atherosclerosis significantly reduced serum cytokines (interleukin-6) and monocytes after 3 months of supplementation compared to placebo. Moreover, in a clinical study conducted on rats, lutein supplementation activated Nrf2-induced antioxidant gene expressions (HO-1, NQO1), and protected OVX rats against inflammatory responses. According to a clinical study on rats, lutein treatment significantly reduces oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, protein carbonylation, and sulfhydryls, lipid peroxidation. In addition, Nrf-2 levels and antioxidant status significantly decreased compared to sham rats. Skeletal IR injuries increased inflammatory signaling by upregulating NF-κB, COX-2, and various pro-inflammatory cytokines. NF-κB, COX-2 expressions were downregulated by lutein treatment.
Anticancer
The lutein level in breast adipose tissue appears to be influenced by diet, which could explain the lower incidence of certain cancers with increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Epidemiological evidence shows that high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin has been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, especially endometrial and ovarian cancer, but not all cancers.
Usages associés
Immunomodulatory
Animal studies indicate that lutein modulates cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. In individuals with low serum lutein levels, elevated levels of C-reactive protein and white blood cells have been identified. In a case-control study, serum lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as other carotenoids, were lower in children with an acute phase infection compared to healthy controls.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 6 mg - 20 mg
The recommended doses of carotenoids are around 6 to 10 mg per day and should never exceed 20 mg per day.
Adolescent from 16 years:
The recommended doses of carotenoids are around 6 to 10 mg per day and should never exceed 20 mg per day.
Interactions
Médicaments
Orlistat: moderate interaction
Theoretically, long-term use of orlistat leads to reduced plasma levels of lutein due to decreased gastric absorption.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Lutein: moderate interaction
Long-term use of olestra (a fat substitute) can decrease serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Precautions
Pregnant Women: avoid
Pregnant women should refrain from taking carotenoids and stick to those provided by foods.
Breastfeeding Women: avoid
Breastfeeding women should refrain from taking carotenoids and stick to those provided by foods.
Children up to 15 years: avoid
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 15 years.
Contraindications
Cancer: prohibited
Prohibited (beyond dietary levels) for anyone with cancer, to not reduce the effectiveness of treatments (according to the general recommendation: no antioxidant intake in case of cancer pathology).
