Reviews and Information for Lutein
Vision Supplements with Lutein, Zeaxanthin & AREDS2 Formulas
Find the best vision supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin. See tests of popular brands like PreserVision, ICaps, MacuGuard, MacuGuard, and more. Find out which supplements most closely resemble AREDS and AREDS2 formulas and see how products compare. Review the evidence for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Vision Supplements with Lutein, Zeaxanthin & AREDS2 Formulas Review
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Product Review
Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review
Best Multivitamins In 2023 -- Caution with Gummies
CL Answer
What is Lutigold Lutein? And why is the capsule of one brand of lutein so much larger than that of another brand, if the amount of lutein on the label is the same?
Learn more about lutein supplements like Lutigold, FloraGlo, and XANGOLD, and understand the difference in capsule sizes.
CL Answer
I've been using a lutein supplement with 40 mg of lutein and am concerned that this dose may be too high. Are there known harmful side-effects?
Learn more about lutein side effects, proper dosage and safety in vision supplements.
CL Answer
The lutein supplement I bought has a strong odor. Is that normal?
Find out if a smelly lutein supplement suggests a problem.
Product Review
Astaxanthin Supplements Review
See Which Astaxanthin Products Passed or Failed CL's Tests
News Release
December 28, 2023
10 Most Popular ConsumerLab Product Reviews of 2023
White Plains, New York, December 28, 2023 — In 2023, ConsumerLab tested more than two hundred products, adding to its extensive Product Reviews covering 150 categories of supplements, foods, and other health products. Among these, the following 10 were the most popular in 2023:
News Release
July 13, 2023
Best Vision Supplements According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, July 13, 2023 — Studies show that supplements containing lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and other ingredients can help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults over age 60.
CL Answer
Which vitamins and minerals should someone over 70 take?
Find out which vitamin and mineral supplements men and women age 70 and older should take, recommended intakes for vitamin D, B6, B12, iron, plus multis, vision supplements, protein and more.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help prevent or reduce eye floaters?
Find out eye floaters (vitreous floaters) be treated with supplements like vitamin C, lutein, ginkgo, milk thistle, collagen or hyaluronic acid, or with products such as VitreousHealth.
CL Answer
Which supplements are helpful for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Find out which vitamins & supplements are helpful for macular degeneration (AMD), such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and others used in the AREDS studies.
Clinical Update
11/08/2015
When to Use Lutein
Lutein and zeaxanthin can help people who have macular degeneration of the eye. However, a recent study found that taking lutein and zeaxanthin may only help those with existing low levels of these compounds. Get more details, including dosage, in the Lutein and Zeaxanthin Review >>
Clinical Update
10/01/2017
Does Lutein Help?
Lutein is an antioxidant that helps protect the retina of the eye and can slow the progression of macular degeneration. But does taking lutein help if you already have normal macular density? Two studies have "looked" at this question (including one published this week) and, you can "see" the answer in the "What It Does" section of Vision Supplements (Lutein & Zeaxanthin) Review >>
Clinical Update
5/14/2024
Best Form of Lutein?
Is one form of lutein more effective in raising blood levels of lutein than another? See what a recent study found in the ConsumerTips section our Vision Supplements Review, which also explains the best way to take lutein to improve absorption. Also see our new Top Pick vision supplement for slowing age-related macular degeneration.
CL Answer
Are antioxidant supplements good or bad for you?
Learn more about whether antioxidants like astaxanthin, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10, curcumin, resveratrol, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are safe and if they help prevent chronic diseases.
News Release
February 24, 2022
Consumers Returned to Pre-Pandemic Supplement Usage in 2021, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 24, 2022 —A survey of 8,049 people who use dietary supplements shows many supplements that declined in use in 2020 began bouncing back in 2021, such as magnesium (+2.4 percentage points), and CoQ10 (+2.7 pts).
News Release
April 17, 2021
ConsumerLab Identifies Best and Worst Avocado Oils Based on Testing
White Plains, New York, April 17, 2021 — Avocado oil has become increasing popular, but concern about the quality of products was raised in 2020 by a study from researchers at the University of California, Davis that found that as much as 82% of avocado oil samples bought locally or online in ...
News Release
February 26, 2021
COVID Changed Supplement Popularity in 2020, ConsumerLab Survey Reveals
White Plains, New York, February 26, 2021 — A survey of 9,647 people who use dietary supplements shows that the supplements which experienced the greatest growth in popularity in 2020 were those being promoted to prevent or treat infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Clinical Update
6/21/2015
Lutein and Visual Processing
Lutein and zeaxanthin are known to help certain people who suffer from macular degeneration, an eye disease. A new study suggests that they may also improve visual processing, perhaps through effects outside the eye. For more details of the study, including dosage, as well as our tests of supplements, see the Review of Vision Supplements with Lutein and Zeaxanthin Review >>
Clinical Update
1/16/2018
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Improve Memory
Lutein and zeaxanthin may help to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration in people with low blood levels of lutein. A new study suggests these compounds may have another benefit -- improving memory in some people. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Vision Supplements Review >> (Also see our top choices among products.)
Clinical Update
8/12/2015
Lutein, Zeaxanthin & Meso-Zeaxanthin for Macular Degeneration
A recent study comparing three different lutein and zeaxanthin formulas found each significantly increased macular pigmentation in men and women with early age-related macular degeneration. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of popular lutein and zeaxanthin products, in the Vision Supplements Review »
Clinical Update
10/05/2019
Better Memory With Lutein?
Lutein is often taken as a supplement to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. However, a study in college students suggests that supplementation with lutein may also improve aspects of memory and cognitive functioning. For details, see the What It Does section of our Vision Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
2/25/2017
Lutein for Stress?
Supplementing with lutein can help some people protect against macular degeneration of the eye. A new study suggests it may also reduce stress. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Review of Vision Supplements with Lutein and Zeaxanthin (which includes our tests of products) >>
Clinical Update
3/17/2023
Lycopene and Lutein Absorption
Carotenoids, such as lycopene and lutein, are best absorbed when taken with a meal with oils -- but the type of oil matters, according to a recent study that compared the effects of olive oil and coconut oil. See the details in the What to Consider When Using section of our Lycopene Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among lycopene supplements.
Also see our Top Picks among lutein and vision supplements and our answer to the question: Which supplements should be taken with food?”
Product Review
Avocado Oil Review
Find the Best Avocado Oil for Purity, Freshness and Taste. Some Others May Include Rotten Avocado or Other Oils.
CL Answer
How much should I expect to pay for supplements? Are higher-priced supplements any better than low-priced brands?
Learn about the cost of supplements. Info including the best pricing on fish oil, CoQ10, vitamins C & D, magnesium, and calcium.
Product Review
Vitamin A Supplements Review, Including Beta-Carotene and Cod Liver Oil
Find the Best Vitamin A Supplement. Best Quality Vitamin A Supplements Identified, Including Cod Liver Oil.
Product Review
Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (Including Spirulina and Chlorella)
Avoid Lead in Greens, Problems with Pills, and Don't Give Up Eating Whole Foods.
CL Answer
Which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately?
Find out the best way to take vitamins and minerals and which vitamins and minerals should be taken together or separately for proper absorption. ConsumerLab answer explains the best way to take vitamins and minerals.
Product Review
Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review
Find the Best Zinc Supplements and Lozenges. Have a Cold? See CL's Top Picks Among Zinc Supplements and Lozenges.
Clinical Update
1/25/2022
Goji Berries for the Eyes?
Goji berries are a good source of zeaxanthin, an anti-oxidant compound that, like lutein, may help protect the retina of eye. But does eating goji berries improve a measure of macular health (macular optical density) or improve vision? See what recent research showed in the Getting Lutein and Zeaxanthin from Food section of our Vision Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vision supplements.
Clinical Update
6/03/2022
Is Lutein Safe?
Was adding lutein and zeaxanthin to a popular supplement for age-related macular degeneration safe and effective? Find out what a major study found in the What It Does section of our Vision Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
7/15/2017
Lutein May Reduce Eye Strain and Headaches
Taking a combination of lutein and other carotenoids may help reduce eye strain, fatigue, headaches and sleep problems associated with extended time spent in front of computer screens. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of our Vision Supplements Review. The Review includes our tests and quality comparisons of popular vision supplements.
Clinical Update
10/21/2024
Pistachio Eye Benefits?
Did eating pistachios, a natural source of lutein, improve macular pigment density in the retinas of people with low density levels (a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration)? Find out what a recent study showed in the Macular Degeneration section of our Vision Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick lutein and AREDS2 supplements
Also see: Do pistachios provide melatonin?
CL Answer
Do any supplements help prevent or improve cataracts?
Find out which supplements may help with cataracts, including selenium and vitamins A, B1, B3, C, and E.
CL Answer
Do any supplements reduce the side effects of chemotherapy? Should any be avoided?
Find out if there are any supplements that can help with the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nerve damage and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Clinical Update
6/10/2022
Supplements for Farsightedness?
Can a supplement improve vision in older people who develop trouble seeing up-close (i.e., presbyopia or age-related farsightedness)? See the study results for a supplement that included lutein, astaxanthin, bilberry and DHA in our Vision Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
9/19/2024
Propolis for Vision?
Propolis is found in some eye formulas, but is there good evidence that is helps with conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage? Find out in our Vision Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among lutein and AREDS formula supplements.
Also find out if propolis has shown benefit for fatty liver disease or arthritis.
Recalls & Warnings
February 17, 2022
Seller of L-Theanine, Lutein, Noopept and More Warned for Drug Claims
On February 4, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Crystal Clear Supplements following a review of the company’s website and social media which found statements about Tianeptine Sodium Powder, Tianeptine Sulfate Powder, PEA Capsules, Phenibut Capsules, Synephrine Powder, Noopept ...
CL Answer
Dandelion Tea & Supplements: Health Benefits and Safety
Find out about the potential health benefits of dandelion tea and supplements, as well as safety, side effects, and potential drug interactions.
News Release
October 22, 2019
Best Vision Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, October 22, 2019 — Supplements containing lutein and other ingredients can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in adults over 60 years of age.
News Release
February 24, 2017
Vitamin D Supplements Maintain Top Spot in Popularity, as Probiotics Surpass Multivitamins to #4 Behind Fish Oil and CoQ10 in Latest ConsumerLab.com Survey
White Plains, New York, February 24, 2017 — A recent survey of over 9,505 people who use dietary supplements shows the most popular dietary supplement to be vitamin D, followed by fish oil, CoQ10, probiotics, and multivitamins.
Product Review
Saffron Supplements Review
See How Saffron Supplements Compare and What They Do
CL Answer
What are "broad-spectrum micronutrient" supplements, and do they have greater health benefits than multivitamin/multimineral supplements?
Learn about "broad-spectrum micronutrients" and how they compare to multivitamin/multimineral supplements.
Product Review
Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) Supplements Review
Choose the Best Ginkgo Biloba Supplement. Finding Real Ginkgo Isn't Easy — 60% Fail ConsumerLab's Tests of Quality.
CL Answer
Do any supplements or foods help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure? Can any increase your risk of sun-related skin damage?
Find out which supplements may help protect from sunburn and sun-related skin damage, including beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and cocoa.
CL Answer
Are there vitamins or supplements that can reduce my risk of breast cancer? Do any increase cancer risk?
Find out if certain vitamins, supplements and foods such as fish oil, olive oil, vitamin C and others, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Can castor oil eye drops improve or dissolve cataracts? Is castor oil or tea tree oil helpful for other eye conditions such as blepharitis or dry eye?
Can castor oil eye drops help cataracts or for other conditions such as blepharitis? Find out if castor oil eye drops are safe to use, and if they help for other conditions. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Recalls & Warnings
August 25, 2022
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Warned by FDA for Manufacturing Violations
On July 8, 2022, the FDA issued a warning letter to Oregon’s Wild Harvest, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
April 02, 2021
Seller of Vision Supplements Warned by FDA
On March 19, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Lipotriad LLC following a review of the company's websites, which found statements made about the company's products Lipotriad Visionary, Lipotriad Adult 50+, Lipotriad Dry Eye, and Lipotriad Vision Support Plus to ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 18, 2024
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Neptune’s Fix Products
On November 21, 2023, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use Neptune’s Fix products because they contain tianeptine. The FDA has received severe adverse event reports after use of these products, including seizure and loss of consciousness.
News Release
December 17, 2015
ConsumerLab.com Focuses on Vision Supplements, Spotting the Best and the Worst
White Plains, New York, December 17, 2015 — Supplements containing lutein and other ingredients have been shown to slow deterioration of the retina in people with age-related macular degeneration.
News Release
October 17, 2012
ConsumerLab.com Tests and Compares Vision Supplements - Guides Consumers Through a Variety of Ingredients and Formulas
White Plains, New York — October 17, 2012 — Can a supplement improve your vision or prevent it from deteriorating? "The evidence shows that some supplements may help improve vision in people with macular degeneration and others can slow its progression," says Tod Cooperman, M.D.
News Release
December 16, 2009
"Eye health" supplements vary widely in formula but product quality is high according to ConsumerLab.com
"Eye Health" Supplements Vary Widely in Formula But Product Quality is High According to ConsumerLab.com
News Release
July 12, 2007
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.
News Release
June 12, 2007
Tests show many milk thistle supplements low in key component — Seven products fail ConsumerLab.com testing of herb used in diabetes and liver diseases
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — June 12, 2007 — Tests by ConsumerLab.com of nine milk thistle supplements that it selected showed that only two contained the expected amounts of silymarin compounds, believed to be the active constituent of milk thistle.
News Release
May 15, 2007
ConsumerLab.com finds some alpha lipoic acid supplements come up short — Improper formulation may cause ingredient degradation
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — May 15, 2007 — ConsumerLab.com announced that two of eleven alpha lipoic acid supplements that it recently chose to test contained significantly less ingredient than promised on their labels.
News Release
April 24, 2007
ConsumerLab.com reports improvement in quality of SAM-e supplements used for osteoarthritis and depression — Recent testing shows quality is up since studies in 2000 and 2003
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — April 24, 2007 — ConsumerLab.com announced that all eight SAMe supplements that it recently selected for review passed quality testing — an improvement over tests in previous years. SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) is used to treat depression and joint pain.
CL Answer
Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
Find out which supplements help improve memory, brain function and cognition, including fish oil, some B vitamins, cocoa, and curcumin. ConsumerLab's answer explains the evidence for supplements promoted to help with brain function and cognition.
CL Answer
Can supplements, natural eye drops, or lifestyle modifications improve symptoms of dry eye?
Can supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or curcumin (from turmeric) help treat dry eyes? Find out, including formulas and doses that have shown benefit. Also, learn if drinking more water or using eye drops containing castor oil, N-acetylcarnosine or aloe can help with dry eye.
Recalls & Warnings
April 25, 2013
Vision Supplement Company Warned For Drug Claims
On March 15, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Synticare Corp. because statements made on the company's website about certain supplements, including Maximum Lutein, AREDS 1, AREDS 1 Smokers, AREDS 2, Combo AREDS 1 and 2, and Combo Smokers AREDS 1 and 2, were found to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
February 13, 2013
Manufacturer of Heart, Multivitamin, Cranberry, and Longevity Supplements Warned For Adulteration and Drug Claims
On January 29, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to M.D.R. Fitness Corp. following a facility inspection which found violations of good manufacturing practices which cause the company's products to be adulterated.
Recalls & Warnings
May 20, 2005
Seller of "Ocular Nutrition" Supplement Settles FTC Charges
On March 16, 2005, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Hi-Health Supermart Corporation (Hi-Health) and its owner, Simon Chalpin, settled FTC charges that they made unsubstantiated advertising claims that their product – Premier Formula for Ocular Nutrition-Optim3 (Ocular Nutrition) – ...
Recalls & Warnings
February 19, 2005
Seller of Eye Supplement Purporting to Restore Vision and Eliminate "Floaters" Settles FTC Charges
On February 15, 2005, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Hi-Health Supermart Corporation (Hi-Health) and its owner, Simon Chalpin, have settled FTC charges that they made unsubstantiated advertising claims that their product – Premier Formula for Ocular Nutrition-Optim3 (Ocular ...
Recalls & Warnings
September 26, 2012
Maker of Eye Health Supplements Warned for Drug Claims
On September 18, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to EyeScience Labs, L.L.C. because statements made about the company's Macular Health Formula, Dry Eye Formula and Diabetic Vision Formula supplements were found to constitute drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
January 16, 2015
CVS Sued for Eye Health Supplement Claims
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against CVS for promoting the company's Advanced Eye Health supplement as comparable to the formula used in the large National Institutes of Health (NIH) eye disease study known as AREDS2, despite the fact that it does not contain the same ingredients.
Recalls & Warnings
July 05, 2013
Seller of Vision Supplement Warned For Drug Claims
On June 25, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nutrient Synergy, Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about the dietary supplement Nepretin to be drug claims.
News Release
April 11, 2007
Many arthritis supplements lack key listed ingredient — ConsumerLab.com finds chondroitin missing or low in eight supplements; Glucosamine and MSM also tested
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — April 11, 2007 — Forty percent of the supplements for osteoarthritis that ConsumerLab.com recently selected for testing were found to lack all or some of their key ingredients. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting an estimated 20.
News Release
February 14, 2007
ConsumerLab.com reports on anti-depressant herb — St. John's Wort — Few supplements pass quality testing
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 14, 2007 — St. John's wort may be helpful in treating mild to moderate cases of clinical depression, but a new report from ConsumerLab.com shows that few of the herbal products tested met quality standards. Americans purchased $64 million of St.
News Release
January 19, 2007
Consumers warned of problems with multivitamins — ConsumerLab.com uncovers defects in over half of products tested
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JANUARY 19, 2007 — Fifty-two percent of multivitamins recently selected for testing by ConsumerLab.com were found to be contaminated with lead, unable properly break apart, or to contain significantly more or less ingredient than claimed.
News Release
December 12, 2006
Probiotic supplements grow in popularity but viable bacteria missing in many — ConsumerLab.com cautions consumers to select probiotics carefully and store them properly
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — DECEMBER 12, 2006 — Sales of supplements containing beneficial organisms (probiotics) have grown rapidly, but a new test report from ConsumerLab.com shows that 44% contained fewer viable organisms than claimed or generally known to be effective.
News Release
November 13, 2006
Tests of "muscle" supplements finds some "weak" products but most contain expected creatine, HMB, or amino acids — Review of muscular enhancement supplements published by ConsumerLab.com
WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK — MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2006 — Bodybuilders and athletes often turn to supplements to enhance muscle size and strength.
News Release
January 29, 2004
ConsumerLab.com finds lutein supplements vary widely in strength but most meet ingredient claims — Right amount of antioxidant compound may reduce risk of blindness
WHITE PLAINS, NY — January 29, 2004 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that only one of the 19 lutein/zeaxanthin supplements it recently tested failed to contain the claimed ingredients. Although product quality was generally high, ConsumerLab.
News Release
January 13, 2004
ConsumerLab.com finds discrepancies in strength of CoQ10 supplements — Increasingly popular supplement, but health professionals and consumers cautioned to check brands
WHITE PLAINS, NY — January 13, 2004 — (Updated January 30) — ConsumerLab.com today announced that among the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplements it recently tested there was no detectable CoQ10 in one product.
News Release
December 08, 2003
ConsumerLab.com dispels myths about HGH human growth hormone supplements sold widely on Internet
WHITE PLAINS, NY — December 8, 2003 — ConsumerLab.com has released a review of the scientific evidence behind human growth hormone (hGH or HGH) supplements.
News Release
November 18, 2003
ConsumerLab.com reports improvement in quality of SAM-e supplements used for osteoarthritis and depression — But a high priced product found to contain only 30% of label claim
WHITE PLAINS, NY — November 18, 2003 — ConsumerLab.
News Release
November 02, 2003
Key ingredient missing in some arthritis supplements for people and pets according to ConsumerLab.com — Review of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM supplements published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — November 2, 2003 — ConsumerLab.com today announced test results for supplements used in treating osteoarthritis that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and/or MSM.
News Release
September 24, 2003
Consumerlab.com finds new forms of creatine prone to problems — Test results of muscular enhancement supplements published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — September 24, 2003 — Testing by ConsumerLab.com of creatine supplements found problems with the majority of products sold in liquid, effervescent and chewable forms. Problems were not found among standard creatine "powder" products.
News Release
August 28, 2003
Some problems persist with ginseng supplements but overall quality improves according to ConsumerLab.com — Test results published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 28, 2003 — In contrast to its testing three years ago in which nearly 60% of Asian and American Ginseng supplements were found to have significant problems, testing of recently purchased products by ConsumerLab.
News Release
July 31, 2003
ConsumerLab.com finds many cholesterol-lowering supplements poorly made — Test results published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 31, 2003 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that more than half of the cholesterol-lowering supplements that it recently purchased failed to contain their listed ingredients and/or could not adequately break apart to release their contents.
