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ConsumerLab.com finds lutein & zeaxanthin supplements vary widely in strength but most meet ingredient claims — Right amount of antioxidant may help prevent macular degeneration and improve vision
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — July 12, 2007 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that all but one of the thirteen lutein and zeaxanthin supplements it recently chose to test met quality standards. However, the suggested dosage among products varied widely — from 4 to 24 mg (milligrams) per day, a 6-fold difference. Intake of appropriate amounts lutein may reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidant pigments found in highest concentration in the macula of the eye where they may help protect it from damage. People who get the most lutein in their diets tend to have lower rates of macular degeneration — the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Supplements providing 10 mg of lutein have been shown to improve vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. Most adults, however, get only 2 to 4 mg per day of lutein and zeaxanthin from their diets.
"There are many good supplements out there, but people should carefully check the dosage," said Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com. "Products with less than 1 mg won't contribute much — although such low amounts appear in popular vitamins promoting their lutein content. Similarly, it is not known whether high doses, such as 20 mg, carry added benefit."
The Product Review of Lutein and Zeaxanthin can be found at www.consumerlab.com/results/lutein.asp and includes results for seventeen products. Twelve of the products were selected by ConsumerLab.com and five others are included for having passed the same evaluation through ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. Also listed are five products similar to ones that passed but sold under different brand names. Brands included in report are Advanced BioSolutions - Stephen Sinatra, M.D., Alcon, Amni, Bausch & Lomb, Bluebonnet, Carlson, Jarrow Formulas, Kal, Nature's Bounty, Nature Made, NSI, PharmAssure, Pharmanex, Puritan's Pride, Sundown, USANA, Vitamin World, and Zand. The Review provides information on how to choose and use these supplements and which foods provide lutein and/or zeaxanthin.
Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available online. New Reviews soon to be released include B Vitamins, Nutrition Powders and Drinks and Resveratrol (Red Wine Extract).
ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com PharmacyChecker.com, an evaluator of online pharmacies. Subscription to Consumerlab.com is available online. For group subscriptions, Technical Reports, or product testing contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com.
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Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidant pigments found in highest concentration in the macula of the eye where they may help protect it from damage. People who get the most lutein in their diets tend to have lower rates of macular degeneration — the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Supplements providing 10 mg of lutein have been shown to improve vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. Most adults, however, get only 2 to 4 mg per day of lutein and zeaxanthin from their diets.
"There are many good supplements out there, but people should carefully check the dosage," said Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com. "Products with less than 1 mg won't contribute much — although such low amounts appear in popular vitamins promoting their lutein content. Similarly, it is not known whether high doses, such as 20 mg, carry added benefit."
The Product Review of Lutein and Zeaxanthin can be found at www.consumerlab.com/results/lutein.asp and includes results for seventeen products. Twelve of the products were selected by ConsumerLab.com and five others are included for having passed the same evaluation through ConsumerLab.com's Voluntary Certification Program. Also listed are five products similar to ones that passed but sold under different brand names. Brands included in report are Advanced BioSolutions - Stephen Sinatra, M.D., Alcon, Amni, Bausch & Lomb, Bluebonnet, Carlson, Jarrow Formulas, Kal, Nature's Bounty, Nature Made, NSI, PharmAssure, Pharmanex, Puritan's Pride, Sundown, USANA, Vitamin World, and Zand. The Review provides information on how to choose and use these supplements and which foods provide lutein and/or zeaxanthin.
Reviews of other popular types of supplements are also available online. New Reviews soon to be released include B Vitamins, Nutrition Powders and Drinks and Resveratrol (Red Wine Extract).
ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products. ConsumerLab.com is affiliated with PharmacyChecker.com PharmacyChecker.com, an evaluator of online pharmacies. Subscription to Consumerlab.com is available online. For group subscriptions, Technical Reports, or product testing contact Lisa Sabin, Vice President for Business Development, at lisa.sabin@consumerlab.com.
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