Evidence supporting the use of: Lutein
For the body system: Brain

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lutein is a carotenoid primarily known for its role in eye health, but emerging research suggests it may also support cognitive function and brain health. Scientific studies have found that lutein accumulates in brain tissue and is associated with cognitive performance across the lifespan. Several observational studies in older adults have correlated higher lutein levels with better memory, processing speed, and executive function. Randomized controlled trials, though limited in number and size, have shown that lutein supplementation can increase serum and brain levels of lutein, and in some cases, improve measures of cognitive function, particularly in older adults or those at risk for cognitive decline.

Mechanistically, lutein is thought to exert neuroprotective effects through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help protect neural tissue from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are implicated in cognitive aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In infants and young children, higher lutein status has also been linked with better visual processing and cognitive development, suggesting a potential role across the lifespan.

However, the overall quality of evidence is moderate: while observational and mechanistic data are promising, large-scale clinical trials are limited, and more research is needed to establish causality and optimal dosing. Thus, scientific support exists, but it is not yet definitive or universally accepted.

More about lutein
More about Brain

Other ingredients that support Brain

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-pinene
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
apple
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
sesame
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
Indian frankincense
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
broccoli
brussel sprouts
bасора
caffeine
calamari oil
California poppy
cannabis sativa oil
canola oil
cassia bark
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chaga mushroom
chamomile
cherry
chia seed
Chinese salvia root
chokeberry
choline
cinnamon
citicoline
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
colostrum
copper
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
cowage seed
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fava bean
feverfew
fisetin
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gardenia
garlic bulb
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
greek mountain tea
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
guayusa
hemp oil
hesperetin
hops
huperzine A
Indian tinospora
inositol
iron
knotweed
jujube
kale
kava root
krill oil
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-glycine
l-serine
l-phenylalanine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lecithin
linoleic acid (LA)
lion's mane
liquid liver fractions
lutein
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
mannitol
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oat
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
passionflower
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
polygala root
pomegranate
potassium
pregnenolone
prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)
protein
pumpkin
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
quinoa
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
resveratrol
rhizome
rhodiola
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
sceletium
selenium
shrimp
black ginger
skullcap
soybean
spearmint leaf
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spinach
spirulina
strawberry
sulforaphane glucosinolate
thiamin (vitamin B1)
threonic acid
thyme
tocotrienols
tongkat ali
trans-pterostilbene
triphala
almond fruit
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
valerian root
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vinpocetine
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
water
whey protein
mulberry
zinc
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
jiaogulan
tangerine
gastrodia
cardamom
mugwort
neem tree
tinospora cordifolia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
sodium salt
kanna
silk tree
chrysanthemum
cistanche
ganoderma
sweet flag
lotus seed
morinda
oriental arborvitae
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
royal jelly
terpene lactones
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
St. John's Wort
yerba mate
wheat germ
noni
wood betony
goji berry
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
DMPX
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Asiaticoside
Angelica
Arachidonic Acid
Apigenin
Anserine
Anamu
Albizia
Alpha glyceryl
Avocado
Agmatine
Adrafinil
Acetylcholine
Agarwood
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Adrenaline
Alpha lactalbumin
anthocyanidins
Asteracea
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Acetylsalicylic acid
Algal protein
Aniracetam
anthocyanosides
Apocynin
Arginine silicate
Animal protein
Betony
Black Seed
Beta Phenethylalamine
Bilobalide
Butylphthalide
Baikal Skullcap
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Biopterin
Blubber oil
Breadnut
Boswellic Acid
Belleric myrobalan
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Baccosides
Bacopin
Baicalein
Benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
berry
Brazil nut
Brahmi
Bacopa
Broad Bean
Bee products
Blue-Green Alage
Borage
banana
BCAA
bacoside
Baicalin
Borneol
Bird's nest
Chia seed
Curculigo orchicides
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
California chia
Cinnamomum
Crocin
Clary sage
Cocarboxylase
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyanobacteria
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Carnosine
Catalpol
Cod Liver Oil
Codonopsis
Cactus
Cyanidin
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Catecholamine
Cruciferous
Cytisine
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Coca
Chocolate
Creatine
Cinidium
Chicken
Capitate Valerian
Curcuma
Carnosol
Calanus finmarchicus
Catuaba
C-Phycocyanin
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Convolvulus prostratus
Corydalis
Crocetin
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Celastrus
Cytidine
Crypthecodinium
cola nut
Canscora
Currant
Carnosic acid
Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
Docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
Dismutase
Danshen
Dendrobium
Dihydromyricetin
Decursin
Dehydroascorbic acid
Deer Velvet
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Dragonhead
Dwarf Morning Glory
Dopamine
Date
Deanol
Dextrose
epicatechin
Egg
Erythrina
Ergothioneine
Elk antler
Emblicanin
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Essential Oil Blend
Egg protein
Enokitake
Garlic
glucose
Glycine
jasmine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Periwinkle
Poppy
peanut
Pistachio
Quinoa Protein
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Squid
Sucrose
salt
Sandalwood
Vervain
walnut

Other body systems supported by lutein

Brain
Eyes
Senses

Products containing lutein

Vitabase Active Woman's Multi
Thorne Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations AntiOxidant Formula
Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Metagenics EstroFactors®
Pure Encapsulations EyeProtect Basics
Pure Encapsulations EyeProtect Basics without Zinc
Designs For Health HistaEze™
Douglas Laboratories Juvenon Pro Cognitive
Klean Athlete Klean Focus®
Klean Athlete Klean Multivitamin ™
Vitabase Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories Liquid Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations LiquiNutrients
Douglas Laboratories Lutein
Pure Encapsulations Lutein 20 mg
Pure Encapsulations Lutein 20 mg
Pure Encapsulations Lutein/Zeaxanthin
Pure Encapsulations Lutein/Zeaxanthin
Pure Encapsulations Macular Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations Macular Support Formula
Thorne MediClear Plus
Thorne Memoractiv NSF
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations Multi t/d
Pure Encapsulations Multi t/d
Thorne Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Thorne Multi-Vitamin Elite NSF
Metagenics Multigenics®
Metagenics Multigenics Chewable Orange
Metagenics Multigenics Intensive Care
Metagenics Multigenics Intensive Care without Iron
Metagenics Multigenics without Iron
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Designs For Health OcuForce™
Designs For Health OcuForce™ Blue 60 Capsules
Metagenics PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics PhytoMulti With Iron
Metagenics PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics PhytoMultivitamin
Metagenics PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
Pure Encapsulations Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations Polyphenol Nutrients
Douglas Laboratories Prenatal
Pure Encapsulations PreNatal Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations PreNatal Nutrients
Designs For Health Primal Multi™
Pure Encapsulations PureGenomics® Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
Pure Encapsulations PureResponse™ Multivitamin
Designs For Health Ultimate Antiox Full Spectrum
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive 50+ -EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive ® Kids Grape Flavor
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive ® Kids Orange Flavor
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive One Daily
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive® X
Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Vitabase Vision Support
Pure Encapsulations VisionPro Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin A + Carotenoids
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Thorne Women's Multi 50+
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients