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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. But with so many vision supplements on the market, how can consumers know which products provide what they claim on the label, and which formula is best?
To find out, ConsumerLab recently selected, purchased, and tested popular lutein and vision supplements on the market, including formulas promoted as being similar to those shown to work in large clinical trials known as AREDS and AREDS2. The tests revealed that one product contained much higher amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin than claimed on the label. Amounts of lutein products provided varied widely, from 5.5 mg to 40 mg per suggested daily serving. There were also significant differences in the cost to obtain an equivalent amount of lutein from products, which ranged from 3 cents to over 90 cents per 10 mg of lutein.
Among products that passed tests for quality, ConsumerLab selected a Top Pick lutein supplement providing an appropriate amount of lutein at a good price and a Top Pick AREDS2 supplement that met the AREDS2 formula requirement without containing excessive zinc.
The results are available online now in ConsumerLab's new Vision Supplements Review, which includes test results and comparisons for 11 products. Nine products were selected for testing by ConsumerLab: Dr. Mercola Eye Support, Gummiology Lutein & Zeaxanthin - Natural Tropical Fruit Flavored, MacuHealth, Nature's Way Lutein Gummies - Mango Flavored, Pure Encapsulations Lutein/Zeaxanthin, Root2 Lutein 25 mg, Swanson Synergistic Eye Health, Bausch + Lomb PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula, and Systane I-Caps Areds2. Two additional products passed the same testing and were Approved through CL's voluntary Quality Certification Program: Life Extension MacuGuard and Nature's Bounty Lutein.
The review summarizes the clinical evidence for common vision supplement ingredients, including lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, vitamin C, zinc, and copper (included to offset reduced copper absorption by zinc) and dosages shown to be effective. It explains the findings of the AREDS and AREDS2 studies and which products on the market most resemble the formulas used in these studies. The review also discusses who is most likely to benefit from these supplements, how to maximize absorption, and potential side effects and drug interactions. A video with expert tips for selecting the best vision supplements is also available.
Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. Membership to ConsumerLab.com is available online and provides immediate access to continually updated reviews of nearly every popular type of dietary supplement and health food, answers to reader questions, and product recalls and warnings. ConsumerLab also provides independent product testing through its voluntary Quality Certification Program. The company is privately held and based in New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.
To find out, ConsumerLab recently selected, purchased, and tested popular lutein and vision supplements on the market, including formulas promoted as being similar to those shown to work in large clinical trials known as AREDS and AREDS2. The tests revealed that one product contained much higher amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin than claimed on the label. Amounts of lutein products provided varied widely, from 5.5 mg to 40 mg per suggested daily serving. There were also significant differences in the cost to obtain an equivalent amount of lutein from products, which ranged from 3 cents to over 90 cents per 10 mg of lutein.
Among products that passed tests for quality, ConsumerLab selected a Top Pick lutein supplement providing an appropriate amount of lutein at a good price and a Top Pick AREDS2 supplement that met the AREDS2 formula requirement without containing excessive zinc.
The results are available online now in ConsumerLab's new Vision Supplements Review, which includes test results and comparisons for 11 products. Nine products were selected for testing by ConsumerLab: Dr. Mercola Eye Support, Gummiology Lutein & Zeaxanthin - Natural Tropical Fruit Flavored, MacuHealth, Nature's Way Lutein Gummies - Mango Flavored, Pure Encapsulations Lutein/Zeaxanthin, Root2 Lutein 25 mg, Swanson Synergistic Eye Health, Bausch + Lomb PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula, and Systane I-Caps Areds2. Two additional products passed the same testing and were Approved through CL's voluntary Quality Certification Program: Life Extension MacuGuard and Nature's Bounty Lutein.
The review summarizes the clinical evidence for common vision supplement ingredients, including lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, vitamin C, zinc, and copper (included to offset reduced copper absorption by zinc) and dosages shown to be effective. It explains the findings of the AREDS and AREDS2 studies and which products on the market most resemble the formulas used in these studies. The review also discusses who is most likely to benefit from these supplements, how to maximize absorption, and potential side effects and drug interactions. A video with expert tips for selecting the best vision supplements is also available.
Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. Membership to ConsumerLab.com is available online and provides immediate access to continually updated reviews of nearly every popular type of dietary supplement and health food, answers to reader questions, and product recalls and warnings. ConsumerLab also provides independent product testing through its voluntary Quality Certification Program. The company is privately held and based in New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.
Choosing the Best Vision Supplements with ConsumerLab’s Tod Cooperman
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