Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Lutein Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Carotenodermia (harmless yellowing of skin) at very high doses
- Mild gastrointestinal discomfort in rare cases
- Possible interaction with beta-carotene absorption at high doses
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Beta-carotene competes for absorption — avoid high-dose beta-carotene with lutein
- Orlistat and cholestyramine reduce carotenoid absorption
- Colestipol may decrease lutein bioavailability
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 40 mg/day has been used safely in studies; no formal upper limit established
References
- Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group (2013). Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. DOI PubMed
- Chew EY, Clemons TE, Sangiovanni JP, et al. (2014). Secondary Analyses of the Effects of Lutein/Zeaxanthin on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report No. 3. JAMA Ophthalmology. DOI PubMed
- Ma L, Dou HL, Wu YQ, et al. (2012). Lutein and zeaxanthin intake and the risk of age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition. DOI PubMed