Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Blue Light Defender + Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Viteyes

Blue Light Defender + label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Blue Light Defender + against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Blue Light Defender + is a dietary supplement by Viteyes with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 928 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are AstaReal Astaxanthin, Bilberry, Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Blue Light Defender + contains five active ingredients. Vitamin C is included for its antioxidant role.

Bilberry, lutein, astaxanthin (AstaReal brand), and zeaxanthin are plant-derived compounds — bilberry provides anthocyanidins, while lutein, astaxanthin, and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that concentrate in the eye. The product also contains inactive ingredients: rice flour, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and silica, which serve as capsule material and flow agents.

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: eye health and blue light protection.
  • We looked for evidence on: Asthenopia (eye strain), Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, Dry eye, Computer vision syndrome, Digital eye strain — and 1 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: Vitamin C is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.

Effectiveness data for this product's ingredients show mixed evidence. Vitamin C is established as effective for preventing vitamin C deficiency and is possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections.

Bilberry shows insufficient evidence for age-related macular degeneration, cognitive decline, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and circulation — and is actually rated possibly ineffective for night vision. Lutein is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, but possibly ineffective for retinitis pigmentosa and eye conditions in premature infants.

Astaxanthin and zeaxanthin have insufficient evidence for most conditions tested; zeaxanthin is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration. The evidence base for these ingredients working together for 'blue light defense' is not established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Bilberry Lutein Astaxanthin 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 4 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal dietary doses, but very high doses can cause abdominal cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and kidney stones in people prone to them — side effects become more likely above 2 grams daily. The safety data advises against high-dose vitamin C in pregnancy and recommends caution during breastfeeding; normal amounts from food and prenatal vitamins are considered fine.

Bilberry fruit is generally safe as food, but supplement evidence and long-term safety data are limited; dark-colored stools, flatulence, and mild gastrointestinal upset occur in some users. Lutein from food and typical supplement doses is generally well tolerated, with doses up to 20 mg daily showing no adverse effects.

Astaxanthin appears well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data are limited; the most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. The safety data advises against astaxanthin during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient data.

Zeaxanthin is generally well tolerated at typical supplement amounts; no adverse effects have been documented.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin C Bilberry Lutein Astaxanthin 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?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bilberry, Vitamin C, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 929 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.

Before taking Blue Light Defender +, double-check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin, diabetes drugs, estrogen products (birth control or hormone replacement), thyroid medication (levothyroxine), chemotherapy agents, the antipsychotic fluphenazine, the HIV medication indinavir, or drugs broken down by your liver (especially CYP3A4, CYP2B6, or CYP2E1 substrates — your pharmacist can tell you if yours are). These are Moderate severity interactions documented for the product's ingredients.

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.

Blue Light Defender + may be worth considering if you're interested in eye health support with vitamin C and carotenoid antioxidants, but you should be careful if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, chemotherapy, estrogen-based birth control, or thyroid medication — these warrant a conversation with your own doctor or pharmacist before you start. Astaxanthin and vitamin C aren't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding based on available safety data; talk to your doctor about what's appropriate for you.

Anyone prone to kidney stones should discuss vitamin C supplementation with their healthcare provider.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 21, 2020.

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 Blue Light Defender +, straight from the product label.

Brand Viteyes
Barcode (UPC) 882966008944
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 239897
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
882966008944
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin C150 mg167%
Bilberry40 mg--
Lutein20 mg--
AstaReal Astaxanthin4 mg--
Zeaxanthin5 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

One capsule daily

Recommended Use: One capsule daily.

Formulation

Viteyes has an eye towards innovation using the highest quality ingredients, without the risk of unnecessary ingredients.

Complete carotenoid formulation with support from the front (eye fatigue) to the back of the eye (high energy blue light from electric devices and sun exposure).

This product contains NO yeast, gluten, soy protein, milk, preservatives or flavor.

Proudly manufactured in a U.S.A. CGMP facility using the finest ingredients from quality sources around the world.

Gluten free

Total protection from harmful blue light Digital eye shield relieves eye fatigue Helps recover form screen time

Storage

Store in a dry place below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Avoid exposure to sunlight.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

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.

General Statements

Order online

Natural product

Seals/Symbols

GMP Quality

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

AstaReal The natural astaxanthin of choice

Brand IP Statement(s)

Viteyes is a trademark of Vitamin Health, Inc. AstaReal is a registered trademark of Fuji Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes label

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

Blue Light Defender + label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
150 mg per serving

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

Bilberry

Interacts with
275 drugs
40 mg per serving

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye healt...

Bilberry monograph & interactions

Lutein

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving Form: Marigold flower extract

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

AstaReal Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
4 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

AstaReal Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: Marigold flower extract

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: Rice Flour, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Blue Light Defender +?

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
928Drugs
922 Moderate 6 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

AstaReal Astaxanthin 671
Bilberry 275
Vitamin C 207
Zeaxanthin 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Blue Light Defender + interact with 928 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in Blue Light Defender + interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. AstaReal Astaxanthin Bilberry Vitamin C Zeaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Blue Light Defender + with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

AstaReal Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
AstaReal Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions

Bilberry4 drug types · 275 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, animal, and clinical research suggest that anthocyanidin extracts from bilberry can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry leaf or fruit extract may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that bilberry leaf extract might have blood glucose-lowering activity. Also, one small clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking bilberry fruit extract 470 mg as a single dose prior to an oral glucose tolerance test lowers plasma glucose levels when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Animal research shows that exposure to small concentrations of bilberry extract in drinking water for around one month increased CYP2E1 activity by 31%. However, exposure over a 2-month period did not increase CYP2E1 activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Erlotinib (Tarceva)

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might reduce the efficacy of erlotinib.
In vitro research suggests that bilberry fruit extract and its constituents, delphinidin and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, inhibit the activity of erlotinib. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bilberry full monograph & interactions

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Vitamin C full monograph & interactions

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
Zeaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Blue Light Defender +, from the product label.

Viteyes

See all Viteyes products
Name
Vitamin Health, Inc.
Street Address
1000 Austin Court,
City
Howell
State
MI
ZipCode
48843
Phone Number
1 (800) 890-3937
Web Address
viteyes.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes: Common Questions

Does Blue Light Defender + by Viteyes interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Blue Light Defender + has a known interaction with 928 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Blue Light Defender + contains 5 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.
Does this product actually help with blue light from screens?
The evidence base for these ingredients working together specifically for blue light protection is not established in the data we hold. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that concentrate in the eye and are possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration, and astaxanthin has insufficient evidence. Talk to your eye care provider about whether this product fits your needs.
Is it safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Vitamin C in normal amounts from food and prenatal vitamins is fine, but the data advises against high-dose supplements unless your doctor recommends it. Astaxanthin lacks enough safety data — the data advises against it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Bilberry, lutein, and zeaxanthin show less risk, but there isn't robust long-term data on supplement doses in pregnancy or lactation. Check with your own doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Can this product cause side effects?
Vitamin C at high doses can cause stomach cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, and nausea — side effects are more likely above 2 grams daily. Bilberry may cause dark stools, gas, or mild gut upset. Astaxanthin can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. Lutein and zeaxanthin have minimal reported side effects at typical doses.
What is lutein and why is it in here?
Lutein is a yellow-orange plant compound (carotenoid) that naturally concentrates in the eye. It's possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. It comes from foods like spinach and kale and is generally well tolerated at supplement doses up to 20 mg daily.
What does astaxanthin do?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid derived from algae that acts as an antioxidant. The effectiveness data shows insufficient evidence for most conditions it's been studied for, including cognitive decline and age-related macular degeneration. It appears generally well tolerated, though long-term safety data are limited.
Will this interfere with my blood thinner or diabetes medication?
Yes — vitamin C can reduce warfarin (blood thinner) effectiveness, and both bilberry and zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar with diabetes drugs. Both are Moderate severity interactions. Don't start this product without checking with your own doctor or pharmacist first.

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

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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.

Blue Light Defender + label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Blue Light Defender +’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 drugs

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...

Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bilberry

Interacts with 275 drugs

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye health, circulation, and mild diarrhea. While...

Read the full Bilberry monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lutein

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

Read the full Lutein monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with 86 drugs

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 strongest evidence relates to slowing progres...

Read the full Zeaxanthin monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Blue Light Defender +'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 74 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.

Vitamin C 51 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
  3. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
  4. Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
  5. Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
  6. Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
  7. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  8. Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
  9. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
  10. Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
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Bilberry 14 references
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See these in context on the Bilberry monograph →

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
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Astaxanthin 3 references
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See these in context on the Astaxanthin 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
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See these in context on the Zeaxanthin monograph →

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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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