Supplements containing lutein and other ingredients can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in adults over 60 years of age.

ConsumerLab recently reviewed the clinical evidence, and purchased and tested popular vision supplements on the market, including vision formulas promoted as being similar to those shown to work in large clinical trials known as AREDS and AREDS2.
 
The tests revealed significant differences in the amounts of lutein the products provided (from 6 mg up to 40 mg per suggested daily serving) and in cost (5 cents to over $1 dollar per 10 mg of lutein). One product was found to contain just half of the amount of zeaxanthin (another compound often found in vision supplements) listed on the label. 

Among the products that were approved, ConsumerLab selected three Top Picks for lutein and vision supplements based on value, dosage and clinical evidence. 

The results are available online in ConsumerLab’s new Vision Supplements Review which includes test results and comparisons for 12 products. Eight products were selected for testing by ConsumerLab: Bausch & Lomb PreserVision AREDS Lutein, Doctor’s Best Lutein with OptiLut, Douglas Laboratories Lutein, MacuShield Original Formula, Natures Plus Ultra Maximum Strength Lutein, Puritan’s Pride Lutigold Lutein 20 mg, Systane I-Caps Chewable – Berry Flavor, and Trunature [Costco] Vision Complex. Another four products were tested and approved through CL’s voluntary Quality Certification Program: GNC Lutein 40 mg, Life Extension MacuGuard, Solgar Lutein 40 mg, and USANA Visionex. 

The review summarizes the clinical evidence for lutein and other common vision supplement ingredients such as zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, vitamin C, zinc, and copper (typically added to offset reduced copper absorption by zinc) and the amounts known to be effective. It details the findings of the AREDS and AREDS2 studies and discusses which products on the market most resemble the formulas used in these studies. The review also explains who is most likely to benefit from these supplements, how to maximize absorption, and cautions and potential side effects, as well as how to get more lutein and zeaxanthin from foods.