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Dietary supplement

Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Doctor's Best

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut is a dietary supplement by Doctor's Best with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye health, age-related macular degeneration, cataract prevention.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Zeaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut by Doctor's Best

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This supplement contains 2 active ingredients: lutein and zeaxanthin, both carotenoids (yellow-orange plant pigments) that concentrate in the eye. The product also includes inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate — which serve as a capsule and binder.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support visual function and eye health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye, Myopia — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Zeaxanthin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Lutein is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. The evidence doesn't support it for retinitis pigmentosa, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Zeaxanthin is also possibly effective for AMD. For zeaxanthin's use in age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, breast cancer, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate it.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lutein at doses up to 20 mg daily is generally well tolerated. Both lutein and zeaxanthin are rated Likely Safe in pregnancy and lactation.

That said, lutein supplement safety at higher doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been thoroughly studied — dietary amounts are fine, but if you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor about whether a supplement is right for you. No adverse effects have been reported for zeaxanthin at typical supplement doses.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take antidiabetes drugs — including insulin, metformin, or any other medication for blood sugar control — check your specific medication with the tool on this page before starting. Zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic properties that could theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with these drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may help support eye health, especially for AMD and cataracts, based on the evidence for lutein and zeaxanthin. If you take any diabetes medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first — zeaxanthin might theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Pregnant or nursing? The ingredients are considered likely safe, but discuss supplement use with your own healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 21, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut, straight from the product label.

Brand Doctor's Best
Barcode (UPC) 753950001435
Net contents 120 Veggie Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 21, 2022
DSLD ID 269356
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut by Doctor's Best, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veggie Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
753950001435
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutein20 mg--
Zeaxanthin4 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Doctor's Best Lutein with OptiLut supplies OptiLut which is produced under a patented process from Marigold flowers, and contains highly bioavailable all natural Lutein and Trans-Zeaxanthin at customized ratios. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the major carotenoids found in the blood, and are highly concentrated in the retina of the eye. Constant exposure to ultra violet (UV) and blue light emitted from computers and mobile devices may potentially damage to the retina cell. Lutein and zeaxanthin helps neutralize free radicals to support healthy visual function, macular health, cognitive acuity.

OptiLut Marigold Flower Extract

Formulation

Helps support visual function Supports cognitive acuity Helps neutralize free radicals Helps reduce eye fatigue with prolonged screen time

Natural Lutein & Zeaxanthin Reduce Eye Fatigue & Support Prolonged Screen Time

Vegan

Non-GMO Gluten free Soy free

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Science-Based Nutrition

OptiLut is a registered trademark of NutriScience Innovations, LLC.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Adult Use: Take 2 capsules daily with or without food, or as recommended by a nutritionally informed physician.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

See for yourself

Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut by Doctor's Best label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut by Doctor's Best

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Lutein

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving Form: OptiLut Lutein Esters

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...

Lutein monograph & interactions

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
4 mg per serving Form: OptiLut Lutein Esters

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The stron...

Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut by Doctor's Best Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Zeaxanthin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking zeaxanthin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In an animal diabetic model, zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic effects. However, population research has found that increasing intake of dietary zeaxanthin plus lutein does not decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut, from the product label.

Doctor's Best

See all Doctor's Best products
Name
Doctor's Best, Inc.
City
Tustin
State
California
ZipCode
92780
Phone Number
(800) 777-2474
Web Address
www.drbvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut by Doctor's Best: Common Questions

Does Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut by Doctor's Best interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both lutein and zeaxanthin are rated Likely Safe in pregnancy and lactation. However, the safety of supplement doses — as opposed to dietary amounts — hasn't been thoroughly studied in these situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether taking this supplement is right for you during pregnancy or while nursing.
What's the difference between lutein and zeaxanthin?
Both are carotenoids that your body deposits in the eye to help protect vision. Lutein concentrates mainly in the outer parts of the macula (the central part of your retina), while zeaxanthin concentrates more toward the center. Together, they're studied for AMD and cataracts.
Does this product have any fillers or binders?
Yes — it includes microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients to form the capsule and hold it together.
Are there any side effects I should expect?
Lutein at doses up to 20 mg daily hasn't caused adverse effects in studies. Zeaxanthin at typical supplement amounts is generally well tolerated too. No side effects are documented in the data we hold for this product.
Can I take this if I take insulin or other diabetes medication?
Zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic effects in animal studies, which theoretically could increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with diabetes drugs. Check your specific medication using the tool on this page, and confirm with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Lutein 20 mg from OptiLut's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 6 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Lutein 2 references
  1. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
  2. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed

See these in context on the Lutein monograph →

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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