--- title: "Lutein and Zeaxanthin — Evidence, Benefits & Where to Buy | Magellan" description: "Lutein and Zeaxanthin — Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids—yellow-to-orange plant pigments obtained from the diet (notably dark leafy…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/120.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/120.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/120.html" type: "product" section: "Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers" evidence_grade: "Strong evidence" evidence_tier: "strong" citations: 21 product_id: 120 price_usd: 22.95 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" license: "Educational content — not medical advice" --- # Lutein and Zeaxanthin [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) › Lutein and Zeaxanthin **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/120.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/120 ## Key facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Product | Lutein and Zeaxanthin | | Category | [Nutraceuticals & Cellular Energizers](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/1.md) | | Evidence grade | Strong evidence (A) | | Peer-reviewed citations | 21 | | Typical listed price | $22.95 (check the live price) | | Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Lutein%20and%20Zeaxanthin&tag=magellanlong-20) | | Catalog ID | 120 | ## What it is Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids—yellow-to-orange plant pigments obtained from the diet (notably dark leafy greens, egg yolks, and yellow/orange produce) that the human body cannot synthesize. They are selectively concentrated in the macula of the retina, where together with meso-zeaxanthin they form the macular pigment, and are also deposited in the brain and lens. Acting as antioxidants and blue-light filters, they neutralize reactive oxygen species and absorb high-energy visible light, functions thought to protect the retina and neural tissue from oxidative and photic stress. ## Its role in longevity The best human evidence concerns eye health in aging: in the landmark AREDS2 randomized trial, adding lutein/zeaxanthin to the AREDS formula missed its primary endpoint, but ten-year follow-up found the pair reduced progression to late disease and proved a safe replacement for beta-carotene, which nearly doubled lung-cancer risk in former smokers. A 2023 Cochrane review confirms these supplements slow progression in people who already have the disease but do not prevent it in healthy eyes, and a post-hoc analysis found slowed geographic-atrophy growth toward the fovea. Trials also show improved macular pigment density, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. For cognition, one trial in younger adults found improved complex attention and flexibility, but in AREDS2's older participants with macular degeneration cognition did not improve—so this is an AMD-risk-management nutrient pair, not a general vision or anti-aging enhancer. This evidence describes the carotenoids and their mechanisms as studied in the literature, not this specific commercial product. ## Evidence grade: Strong evidence - **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound. - **Dose used in studies:** 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin daily (the AREDS2 formulation) - **What this grade does not say:** Proven to slow progression of age-related macular degeneration in people who already have intermediate or late disease — it does not prevent AMD in healthy eyes, and cognitive benefits are unproven (null in AREDS2's older participants). Unlike the beta-carotene it replaced, it is safe for former smokers. ## Where it comes from without a bottle Food, exercise and behaviour routes to the same pathway, each with its citation. | Natural source | How it works | Citation | | --- | --- | --- | | Corn & egg yolk | Egg yolk and corn carry the highest proportion of lutein plus zeaxanthin of any common food, and the fat in yolk makes them highly absorbable. A couple of eggs or a serving of sweet corn delivers a meaningful daily dose of both macular carotenoids. | Br J Ophthalmol 1998 [PMID 9828775](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828775/) | | Eggs (6/week) | In a 12-week trial, simply eating 6 eggs a week raised both blood zeaxanthin and macular pigment optical density - the protective layer in the retina - without raising cholesterol. The yolk's fat makes egg carotenoids unusually bioavailable to the eye. | J Nutr 2006 [PMID 16988128](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16988128/) | | Spinach, kale, broccoli & carrots | Dark leafy greens are the densest plant source of lutein and zeaxanthin, with broccoli, carrots, and corn adding more. Eat them with a little oil or fat to absorb these fat-soluble pigments efficiently. | J Am Nutr Assoc 2024 [PMID 38393321](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38393321/) | ### What those papers actually say 1. **Corn & egg yolk** Br J Ophthalmol 1998 · [PMID 9828775](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828775/) · [DOI 10.1136/bjo.82.8.907](https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.82.8.907) > Egg yolk and maize (corn) contained the highest mole percentage (% of total) of lutein and zeaxanthin (more than 85% of the total carotenoids). 2. **Eggs (6/week)** J Nutr 2006 · [PMID 16988128](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16988128/) · [DOI 10.1093/jn/136.10.2568](https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.10.2568) > Increasing egg consumption to 6 eggs/wk may be an effective method to increase MPOD [macular pigment optical density]. 3. **Spinach, kale, broccoli & carrots** J Am Nutr Assoc 2024 · [PMID 38393321](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38393321/) · [DOI 10.1080/27697061.2024.2319090](https://doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2024.2319090) > These molecules... are found in significant amounts in vegetables such as corn, spinach, broccoli, carrots as well as fish and eggs. ## In the news - **NIH study confirms benefit of supplements for slowing age-related macular degeneration** — National Eye Institute (NIH) 2022 [Read it](https://www.nei.nih.gov/research-and-training/research-news/nih-study-confirms-benefit-supplements-slowing-age-related-macular-degeneration) > the AREDS2 formula, which substituted antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene, not only reduces risk of lung cancer due to beta-carotene, but is also more effective at reducing risk of AMD progression, compared to the original formula. - **Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Benefits, Dosage and Food Sources** — Healthline 2024 [Read it](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lutein-and-zeaxanthin) > The research supporting the use of lutein and zeaxanthin in eye health is promising, but more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about their applications. - **What Is Zeaxanthin? Benefits and Side Effects** — Cleveland Clinic 2024 [Read it](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/zeaxanthin) > Studies show that taking a supplement that contains lutein and zeaxanthin may be effective at improving vision in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. ## The research Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product. ### Cited studies 1. **Evidence: macular pigment, antioxidant** Arch Biochem Biophys 2018 · [PMID 29885291](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29885291/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.abb.2018.06.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2018.06.001) > carotenoids also produce improvements in cognitive function and cardiovascular health 2. **Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Improves Dynamic Visual and Cognitive Performance** Adv Ther 2024 · [PMID 38363462](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38363462/) · [DOI 10.1007/s12325-024-02785-1](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-024-02785-1) > improved cognitive performance (focus, episodic memory and learning, visuospatial working memory) 3. **Effects of a Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intervention on Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial** Nutrients 2017 · [PMID 29135938](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29135938/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu9111246](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111246) > Supplementation with L + Z improves CNS xanthophyll levels and cognitive function in young, healthy adults 4. **Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial.** JAMA 2013 · [PMID 23644932](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23644932/) · [DOI 10.1001/jama.2013.4997](https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.4997) > Addition of lutein + zeaxanthin, DHA + EPA, or both to the AREDS formulation in primary analyses did not further reduce risk of progression to advanced AMD. However, because of potential increased incidence of lung cancer in former smokers, lutein + zeaxanthin could be an appropriate carotenoid substitute in the AREDS formulation. 5. **Long-term Outcomes of Adding Lutein/Zeaxanthin and ω-3 Fatty Acids to the AREDS Supplements on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Progression: AREDS2 Report 28.** JAMA Ophthalmol 2022 · [PMID 35653117](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35653117/) · [DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.1640](https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.1640) > A direct analysis of lutein/zeaxanthin vs beta carotene showed the HR for late AMD was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.73-0.98; P = .02). 6. **Oral Antioxidant and Lutein/Zeaxanthin Supplements Slow Geographic Atrophy Progression to the Fovea in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.** Ophthalmology 2024 · [PMID 39025435](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39025435/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.07.014](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.07.014) > Oral micronutrient supplementation slowed GA progression toward the central macula, likely by augmenting the natural phenomenon of foveal sparing. 7. **Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and association with visual function in age-related macular degeneration.** Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014 · [PMID 25515572](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25515572/) · [DOI 10.1167/iovs.14-15553](https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.14-15553) > Xanthophyll carotenoids supplementation was associated with significant decrease in logMAR levels compared with the placebo group (WMD, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.03), and during intervention, each 1-mg/day increase in these carotenoids supplementation was related to a 0.003 reduction in logMAR level of VA. 8. **Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density.** Nutrients 2016 · [PMID 27420092](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27420092/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu8070426](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8070426) > Twenty RCTs involving 938 AMD patients and 826 healthy subjects were identified. Xanthophyll carotenoids supplementation was associated with significant increase in MPOD in AMD patients (WMD, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.11) and healthy subjects (WMD, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.14). 9. **Efficacy of different nutrients in age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.** Semin Ophthalmol 2022 · [PMID 34995151](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34995151/) · [DOI 10.1080/08820538.2021.2022165](https://doi.org/10.1080/08820538.2021.2022165) > The nutrient of zinc and carotenoids (lutein/zeaxanthin) supplementation were associated with better improvement in VA. 10. **The Effect of Dietary Supplementations on Delaying the Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.** Nutrients 2022 · [PMID 36296956](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36296956/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu14204273](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204273) > Multifocal electroretinogram results (mfERG) were significantly improved overall (SMD: 4.59, 95% CI: 1.75, 7.43) after lutein plus zeaxanthin supplementation. 11. **From Supplements to Sight: Quantifying the Impact of Lutein and Carotenoid on Age-Related Macular Degeneration-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.** J Ophthalmol 2026 · [PMID 42028334](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42028334/) · [DOI 10.1155/joph/2155378](https://doi.org/10.1155/joph/2155378) > Improvements were predominantly observed in early-stage AMD, whereas no statistically significant benefit was detected in late-stage disease. 12. **A dose-response meta-analysis of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake in relation to risk of age-related cataract.** Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2013 · [PMID 24150707](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24150707/) · [DOI 10.1007/s00417-013-2492-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-013-2492-3) > Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin intake is associated with a reduced risk of ARC, especially nuclear cataract in a dose-response manner, indicating a beneficial effect of lutein and zeaxanthin in ARC prevention. 13. **Lutein and Zeaxanthin Influence Brain Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.** J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2017 · [PMID 28695791](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28695791/) · [DOI 10.1017/S1355617717000534](https://doi.org/10.1017/S1355617717000534) > L and Z supplementation appears to benefit neurocognitive function by enhancing cerebral perfusion, even if consumed for a discrete period of time in late life. 14. **Omega-3 fatty acid, carotenoid and vitamin E supplementation improves working memory in older adults: A randomised clinical trial.** Clin Nutr 2021 · [PMID 34999335](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34999335/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.clnu.2021.12.004](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2021.12.004) > These results support a biologically plausible rationale whereby these nutrients work synergistically, and in a dose-dependent manner, to improve working memory in cognitively healthy older adults. 15. **Effects of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Combination with Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Episodic Memory in Healthy Older Adults.** Nutrients 2023 · [PMID 37447152](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37447152/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu15132825](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132825) > The results showed that supplementation with LCPUFAs + LZ did not significantly affect memory function in healthy, non-demented, older individuals with memory complaints whereas it improved memory function in healthy, non-demented, older individuals with cognitive decline. 16. **Lutein and Zeaxanthin Are Positively Associated with Visual-Spatial Functioning in Older Adults: An fMRI Study.** Nutrients 2018 · [PMID 29642425](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29642425/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu10040458](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10040458) > Our findings suggest that L and Z may impact brain health and cognition in older adults by enhancing neurobiological efficiency in a variety of regions that support visual perception and decision-making. 17. **Increased Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Acuity following Consumption of a Buttermilk Drink Containing Lutein-Enriched Egg Yolks: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.** J Ophthalmol 2016 · [PMID 27064326](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27064326/) · [DOI 10.1155/2016/9035745](https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/9035745) > MPOD increased significantly from 0.45 to 0.52 and BCVA improved significantly from -0.04 to -0.09 LogMar. 18. **Visual Function and Macular Carotenoid Changes in Eyes with Retinal Drusen-An Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare a Micronized Lipid-Based Carotenoid Liquid Supplementation and AREDS-2 Formula.** Nutrients 2020 · [PMID 33114566](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33114566/) · [DOI 10.3390/nu12113271](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113271) > The LM group demonstrated greater and faster benefits in visual performance as measured by CSF when compared to the PV group. 19. **The effect of nutritional supplementation on the multifocal electroretinogram in healthy eyes.** Doc Ophthalmol 2016 · [PMID 26988845](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26988845/) · [DOI 10.1007/s10633-016-9532-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-016-9532-3) > Although the results were not clinically significant, the reported trend for improvement in MPOD and mfERG outcomes warrants further investigation. 20. **Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.** The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2023 · [PMID 37702300](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37702300/) > Cochrane review: AREDS-type antioxidant supplements slow progression to late AMD in people with existing disease but do not prevent onset in healthy eyes. 21. **Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function: The AREDS2 Randomized Clinical Trial.** JAMA 2015 · [PMID 26305649](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26305649/) > In older AREDS2 participants with AMD, lutein/zeaxanthin (with or without omega-3s) did not improve cognitive function over 5 years—an important null result. ## Where to buy [Search Amazon for Lutein and Zeaxanthin](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Lutein%20and%20Zeaxanthin&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ItemPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/120.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/120.html","name":"Lutein and Zeaxanthin","description":"Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids—yellow-to-orange plant pigments obtained from the diet (notably dark leafy greens, egg yolks, and…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist 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Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).