---
title: "Evidence: macular pigment, antioxidant"
description: "Carotenoids offer multiple health benefits, particularly for eye health, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy across all areas."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s120.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s120.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s120.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s120"
journal: "Arch Biochem Biophys"
year: 2018
pmid: "29885291"
doi: "10.1016/j.abb.2018.06.001"
citations: 1
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"
---

# Evidence: macular pigment, antioxidant

[Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Evidence: macular pigment, antioxidant

**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s120.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/s120

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Arch Biochem Biophys |
| Year | 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) |
| Study key | s120 |

## Takeaway

Carotenoids offer multiple health benefits, particularly for eye health, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy across all areas.

## The question

What are the various health benefits of carotenoids, and what is the current state of evidence regarding their efficacy?

## Hypothesis

The abstract does not state a specific hypothesis for a single study, but rather discusses existing evidence and the need for further research on carotenoids.

## Methods

This abstract is a review of existing evidence and does not describe specific methods for a primary research study.

## Results

Carotenoids primarily act as antioxidants. Lutein and zeaxanthin form macular pigment in the eye, and lutein shows strengthening evidence for reducing the progression of age-related macular eye disease and cataracts. Carotenoids also show evidence for improving cognitive function and cardiovascular health, and may help prevent some cancers. However, large population-based supplementation studies have yielded mixed results for some carotenoids.

## Conclusion

Carotenoids offer various health benefits, including antioxidant effects, eye health improvements (especially lutein for macular degeneration and cataracts), cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and potential cancer prevention. More research, including clinical studies, is needed to establish and confirm the specific health benefits of different carotenoids.

## Limitations

Large population-based supplementation studies have produced mixed results for some carotenoids, indicating a need for more research to confirm their health benefits.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> carotenoids also produce improvements in cognitive function and cardiovascular health

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lutein and Zeaxanthin | Strong evidence | [Lutein and Zeaxanthin](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/120.md) |

## Reference

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

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Lutein and Zeaxanthin](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/120.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Improves Dynamic Visual and Cognitive Performance](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38363462.md)
- [Effects of a Lutein and Zeaxanthin Intervention on Cognitive Function: A Randomized,…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d29135938.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. 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).