Overview
Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid found abundantly in leafy green vegetables and egg yolks, selectively accumulated in the macula of the retina where it functions as a blue-light filter and antioxidant, contributing to macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and protecting against oxidative stress. Supplementation with lutein has been shown to increase serum lutein levels and MPOD in a dose-dependent manner, with doses ranging from 6 to 20 mg/day, and may improve visual function in individuals with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Clinical trials report significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, and reductions in subfoveal fluid height with lutein-containing antioxidant supplements over 6–12 months [4][6][8]. Meta-analyses suggest lutein supplementation alone can significantly increase MPOD, though effects on visual acuity are more modest and variable [2]. Even in healthy individuals, lutein supplementation (6–12 mg/day) enhances MPOD and photostress recovery [3][7].
Dosage Guide
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Upper Intake Limit
Maximum safe daily intake
20 mg— Doses up to 20 mg/day studied for up to 1 year with no significant adverse effects; no official UL established by FDA
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
Common in supplements; requires hydrolysis for absorption
Higher bioavailability in some formulations, especially with lipid co-consumption
Synergistic for macular pigment support; commonly combined in 5:1 or 10:2 ratios
Clinical Notes
- Lutein is fat-soluble; take with meals containing dietary fat to enhance absorption
- No serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials at doses up to 20 mg/day for 1 year
- Long-term safety beyond 2 years not well established
- Smokers should avoid high-dose beta-carotene but lutein is safe in this population
- Monitor MPOD and visual function in patients with AMD or CSC on long-term supplementation
Research
Lutein doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/day increased serum lutein levels in older adults, with peak concentrations reached by 3 months.
Meta-analysis shows lutein supplementation significantly increases macular pigment optical density (MPOD), with variable effects on visual acuity in AMD patients.
6 mg/day lutein with antioxidants improved photostress recovery and contrast sensitivity in healthy individuals over 9–18 months.
Lutein plus antioxidants improved visual acuity and reduced subfoveal fluid in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients over 6 months.
Lutein is dietary-derived, accumulates in retina, and has no provitamin A activity but exhibits antioxidant and photoprotective properties.
10–20 mg/day lutein significantly increased serum lutein and MPOD in Chinese patients with early AMD over 48 weeks.
12 mg/day of bioavailable lutein significantly increased MPOD and contrast sensitivity within 16 weeks in healthy adults.
10 mg/day lutein ester for 12 months showed a mild beneficial effect on visual acuity and increased MPOD in early AMD patients.
