Lutein and zeaxanthin
Lutein; zeaxanthin
Supplements. Modern nutrition.
Also called Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Marigold extract
Pinyin: yè huáng sù
Spanish: Luteína y zeaxantina
Two yellow plant pigments, called carotenoids, that build up in the center of the eye and are sold mainly for eye health.
Did you know? The yellow spot at the center of your retina, the macula, gets its color from lutein and zeaxanthin.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Eyes & vision. In AREDS2, a large US trial in people with moderate macular degeneration, adding lutein and zeaxanthin to the eye formula did not reduce progression overall. In an exploratory (side) analysis, swapping them in for beta-carotene was linked to a lower risk of advanced disease. That trial tested lutein and zeaxanthin together, not lutein alone.See the research: 227 studies in peoplePromising proof
- Memory & focus. A few small trials in older adults found better attention or memory on some tests. Results are mixed, and most trials are small.See the research: 43 studies in peoplePromising proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Not part of an old herbal system. Marigold petals have long been used to color foods and animal feed, and leafy greens such as kale and spinach have always been part of the diet.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antioxidant, Nutritive. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
The AREDS2 eye trial used 10 milligrams of lutein with 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin a day. Diet alone usually gives much less. Eye benefits were seen over months to years of daily use.
Capsule, tablet and food.
Where to get it
Dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens are the best food sources. Egg yolks, corn, peas and broccoli also contain it. Supplements are usually made from marigold flowers and sold as softgels and tablets.
Be careful
Lutein and zeaxanthin are well tolerated. Very high carotenoid intakes can turn the skin slightly yellow-orange, which is harmless and fades when intake drops. Food sources are fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Safety of high-dose supplements in pregnancy and in children is not well studied, so ask a clinician first.
Avoid if: high-dose supplements in pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are carotenoids sold for eye and antioxidant support. Few studies have tested them together.
- Works well together
Zinc is part of the AREDS eye formula, which uses lutein and zeaxanthin in place of beta-carotene in its newer version.
- Works well together
Vitamin C and vitamin E are also in the AREDS eye formula, along with zinc.
- Works well together
Vitamin E is part of the same AREDS eye formula.
The honest take
Lutein and zeaxanthin are normal parts of a healthy diet with leafy greens. The original AREDS trial supports an eye vitamin formula for moderate macular degeneration. In AREDS2, lutein and zeaxanthin were a safe swap for beta-carotene, which raises lung cancer risk in smokers, and an exploratory analysis hinted at slower disease. Proof for lutein alone is less clear, and brain benefits are early and mixed.
Sources
Each “See the research” link opens PubMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's index of medical studies, showing only trials and reviews done in people. The number tells you how much a use has been tested, not whether it worked. The proof rating tells you that.
Study counts checked October 2026.