Remedy · supplement
Lutein + zeaxanthin
Also: macular carotenoids
The macular carotenoids — the evidence-based, safer carotenoid in the AREDS2 eye formula.
Active compounds Lutein
Evidence by condition
Each grade reflects the research for Lutein + zeaxanthin and that condition specifically.
- BAge-related macular degeneration
Did not beat placebo as a lone additive in AREDS2's primary analysis, but over 10 years it lowered progression to late AMD versus beta-carotene (HR 0.85) without beta-carotene's lung-cancer risk — now the recommended carotenoid in the formula.
2 citation s
- Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial Randomized trial 2013 · n=4,203 · JAMA · PMID 23644932 · DOI 10.1001/jama.2013.4997
- Long-term outcomes of adding lutein/zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids to the AREDS supplements on AMD progression: AREDS2 report 28 Cohort study 2022 · n=3,882 · JAMA Ophthalmology · PMID 35653117 · DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.1640
- Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial
Lutein and zeaxanthin are the carotenoids that concentrate in the macula. On their own they don’t dramatically slow AMD, but they’re the safe, evidence-based replacement for beta-carotene in the AREDS2 formula — equally or more effective and without the smoker lung-cancer risk.