NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Lutein

Other ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Macular carotenoid essential for eye health and blue light protection.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
17 2012–2025
Interactions
0
Cost / month
$2.40 budget
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Lutein is an other most often used for eye health, macular degeneration prevention, blue light protection. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong. A typical adult dose is 10-20 mg daily, commonly taken as floraglo lutein (from marigold flowers). This profile indexes 17 sources.

What it's good for
  • Eye health
  • Macular degeneration prevention9,11
  • Blue light protection
  • Cognitive function6,7
What to watch for
  • Very well tolerated
  • Carotenodermia (harmless skin yellowing)
  • Generally very safe12

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: eye health, macular degeneration prevention, blue light protection. 17 sources indexed (2012–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Accumulates in the macula lutea of the retina, filtering harmful blue light (400-500nm) and quenching singlet oxygen/free radicals. Also found in brain tissue supporting cognitive function.2,6

Class
Carotenoid
Found in food
Kale, Spinach, Egg yolks
Low-status signs
Macular degeneration, Poor night vision
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
10-20 mg daily
Recommended form
FloraGLO Lutein (from marigold flowers)

Take with fat-containing meal for absorption4,5

Cost

What it actually costs.

Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes FloraGLO Lutein.

BudgetBest value
$2.40 /mo
$0.08 per dose
Mid
$5.40 /mo
$0.18 per dose
Premium
$10.50 /mo
$0.35 per dose

Assumes 10-20 mg/day. Vendor basis: NOW/iHerb, Vitacost, Life Extension, and Amazon marketplace; FloraGLO and eye-health blends price higher. Updated 2026-05-28.

From food

The same dose, as food.

How much you'd eat to match a supplemental dose.

10 mg lutein
About 1 cup cooked spinach or kale

Dark leafy greens are the standout food source.

20 mg lutein
About 2 cups cooked spinach or kale

Food can meaningfully contribute to eye-supportive lutein targets.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Very well tolerated
  • Carotenodermia (harmless skin yellowing)

Contraindications

  • Generally very safe12
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

11

Randomized controlled trials

2

Reviews & position papers

2

Reference material

2
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Lutein, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Lutein?

Macular carotenoid essential for eye health and blue light protection.

What is Lutein used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Lutein include: Eye health; Macular degeneration prevention; Blue light protection; Cognitive function. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Lutein?

A typical adult dose of Lutein is 10-20 mg daily. The commonly recommended form is FloraGLO Lutein (from marigold flowers). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Lutein?

Reported side effects include very well tolerated, carotenodermia (harmless skin yellowing). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Lutein?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Lutein in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.