NutriStack
Beta-Carotene and Lutein, timing-sensitive.
Beta-carotene and lutein compete for the same intestinal absorption pathways, so taking large doses together can reduce the absorption of lutein.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Beta-Carotene and Lutein
- Pair type
- Timing Sensitive
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored timing-sensitive row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Timing Sensitive · Moderate evidence
Timing Sensitive
What is happening. Beta-carotene and lutein compete for the same intestinal absorption pathways, so taking large doses together can reduce the absorption of lutein.
Mechanism. Carotenoids share intestinal uptake mechanisms, including incorporation into mixed micelles and transport via scavenger receptor SR-BI, so high beta-carotene intake can competitively lower lutein absorption.
Recommendation. If taking both, consider separating them by a couple of hours or taking them with different meals to limit absorption competition. Take each with a fat-containing meal to aid uptake.
Minimum separation. 2 hours
Sources (2)
- Kostic D, White WS, Olson JA. Intestinal absorption, serum clearance, and interactions between lutein and beta-carotene when administered to human adults in separate or combined oral doses. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995. PMID 7661123
- van den Berg H. Carotenoid interactions. Nutrition Reviews, 1999.
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Beta-Carotene and Lutein are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored timing-sensitive row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
Check your full routine
One pair was the worked example. NutriStack runs every pair in your stack at once.
Drop in your supplements and prescriptions and the public database surfaces every interaction, synergy, timing rule, and contraindication, every one linked to its primary source.