All but one of the 13 lutein and zeaxanthin supplements ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, recently chose to test met quality standards. However, the suggested dosage among products varied widely—from 4 to 24 mg (milligrams) per day, a 6-fold difference. Intake of appropriate amounts lutein may reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidant pigments found in highest concentration in the macula of the eye where they may help protect it from damage. People who get the most lutein in their diets tend to have lower rates of macular degeneration—the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Supplements providing 10 mg of lutein have been shown to improve vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. Most adults, however, get only 2 to 4 mg per day of lutein and zeaxanthin from their diets.

“There are many good supplements out there, but people should carefully check the dosage,” said Tod Cooperman, MD, president of ConsumerLab.com. “Products with less than 1 mg won’t contribute much, although such low amounts appear in popular vitamins promoting their lutein content. Similarly, it is not known whether high doses, such as 20 mg, carry added benefit.”

The “Product Review of Lutein and Zeaxanthin” includes results for 17 products. Twelve of the products were selected by ConsumerLab.com and five others are included for having passed the same evaluation through ConsumerLab.com’s Voluntary Certification Program. Also listed are five products similar to ones that passed but sold under different brand names. Brands included in report are Advanced BioSolutions—Stephen Sinatra, M.D., Alcon, Amni, Bausch & Lomb, Bluebonnet, Carlson, Jarrow Formulas, Kal, Nature’s Bounty, Nature Made, NSI, PharmAssure, Pharmanex, Puritan’s Pride, Sundown, USANA, Vitamin World and Zand. The review provides information on how to choose and use these supplements and which foods provide lutein and/or zeaxanthin.