Vision supplements promise to help improve vision and prevent macular degeneration but it can be difficult for a consumer to know which product, if any, is right for them and most economical. To that end, ConsumerLab.com recently purchased, tested, and reviewed many vision supplements, focusing on those containing lutein and/or zeaxanthin.
 
“The evidence shows that some supplements may help improve vision in people with macular degeneration and others can slow its progression,” says Tod Cooperman, M.D., president of ConsumerLab.com. “The problem for a consumer is knowing if he or she should be taking a vision supplement and, if so, which one contains the correct dosage and combination of ingredients — and at the best price.” 
 
ConsumerLab’s tests found that many lutein and zeaxanthin supplements meet important quality criteria regarding their contents. However, formulations were found to vary widely — the daily dose of lutein in products ranged from 4 to 45 mg, and the amounts of zeaxanthin ranged from 1 to 4 mg. The cost of the pills also ranged from just 12 cents to $1.10 per day.
 
The published review provides information about 22 products which contain lutein and/or zeaxanthin, antioxidant pigments which occur in the macula of the retina. Ten of those products were selected for testing by ConsumerLab, 11 passed testing in ConsumerLab’s Voluntary Certification Program, and one is similar to another product which passed testing.
 
The Product Review of Vision Supplements with Lutein and Zeaxanthin is now available online on ConsumerLab. In addition to test results, the report discusses the amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin known be effective as supplements; how to take these to maximize absorption; which products provide lutein and zeaxanthin at lowest cost; foods which provide lutein and zeaxanthin; as well as potential side effects with lutein and zeaxanthin supplements. The report also explains what meso-zeaxanthin is and whether it is necessary to get from a supplement. In addition, the report compares formulas in supplements to the AREDS formula found to prevent age-related macular degeneration in a major study funded by the National Institutes of Health, and to the new AREDS2 formula currently under study.