Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 9 of 10 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Carotenoid Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Country Life

Carotenoid Complex label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Carotenoid Complex 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: Major

Carotenoid Complex is a dietary supplement by Country Life with 10 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph) symptoms, overactive bladder, eye and skin health (vitamin a source).Based on those ingredients, 1,123 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin, Vitamin A, Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Carotenoid Complex by Country Life

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Carotenoid Complex by Country Life — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Carotenoid Complex by Country Life

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 12, 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 10 of its 10 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Country Life's Carotenoid Complex contains ten active ingredients — pumpkin seed extract, carrot seed oil, vitamin A, broccoli extract, lycopene, alpha-lipoic acid, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and alpha-carotene — chosen for their antioxidant and vision-supporting roles. The product also contains inactive ingredients including soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, beeswax, safflower oil, and colorants derived from carob and annatto.

Does it work?

Strong 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“Antioxidant support”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Vitamin A deficiency — rated "Effective" (Vitamin A) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Lutein) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Aging skin — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin A) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Pumpkin) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin A) (Natural Medicines).

Evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Vitamin A is effective for vitamin A deficiency and possibly effective for oral leukoplakia, aging skin, measles, ulcerative colitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are both possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and lutein is also possibly effective for cataracts. Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve damage and cholesterol management.

Lycopene is possibly effective for prostate cancer. Broccoli extract is possibly effective for colorectal cancer, and pumpkin seed extract is possibly effective for benign prostate enlargement.

For other conditions and ingredients, the evidence is insufficient to rate them. No effectiveness data are available for alpha-carotene.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Pumpkin Carrot Vitamin A Broccoli Lycopene Alpha-lipoic Acid Astaxanthin Lutein

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 8 of the 9 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 9 of 9.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 9 of 9.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Vitamin A, however, requires caution — high doses build up in your body and can be toxic, affecting your liver and causing birth defects; stick to the recommended upper intake level of 10,000 IU daily if you take it.

Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar and is best used under medical guidance; it should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Astaxanthin and alpha-lipoic acid have limited long-term safety data and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Lycopene supplements, while food amounts are fine, are not well studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Broccoli, lutein, and zeaxanthin are likely safe in pregnancy and lactation at typical doses.

Pumpkin seed and carrot products are generally safe as foods, but concentrated supplements are less studied; one rare case report linked high-concentration pumpkin to hair loss. Adverse effects from individual ingredients are usually mild — digestive upset, headache, or skin irritation — but serious effects are rare.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Pumpkin Carrot Vitamin A Broccoli Lycopene Alpha-lipoic Acid Astaxanthin Lutein

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 9 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lycopene, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Pumpkin, Vitamin A, Astaxanthin, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,124 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 this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take any of these medication types: retinoid skin or acne medications (major interaction with vitamin A); blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel; liver-damaging drugs; tetracycline antibiotics; diabetes medications; thyroid hormones; chemotherapy drugs; lithium for mood disorders; or drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP1A2, or CYP2A6 liver enzymes. If you're unsure whether any of your medications fall into these categories, use the checker below.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This carotenoid blend works best if you're concerned about eye health or need vitamin A supplementation, but several ingredients interact significantly with common medications. If you take any prescription drugs — especially blood thinners, diabetes medications, thyroid hormones, tetracycline antibiotics, mood stabilizers, or chemotherapy — check with your pharmacist before starting.

Vitamin A doses here should stay within safe limits, and alpha-lipoic acid calls for medical oversight.

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

Assessment coverage: 9 of 10 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 24, 2015.

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 Carotenoid Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Country Life
Barcode (UPC) 015794056003
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 24, 2015
DSLD ID 53430
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Carotenoid Complex by Country Life, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
015794056003
IngredientAmount% DV
Pumpkin seed extract25 mg--
Carrot Seed Oil10 mg--
Vitamin A25000 IU500%
Broccoli extract50 mg--
Lycopene3000 mcg--
Alpha-Lipoic Acid1000 mcg--
Astaxanthin1000 mcg--
Lutein5000 mcg--
Zeaxanthin305 mcg--
Alpha-Carotene286 mcg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Beeswax, Safflower Oil, Carob color, purified Water, Annatto color, Safflower Oil

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.
Precautions

If any adverse reactions occur, stop taking the product and consult your doctor.

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications that you take with your health care providers.

Contains soy.

Do not accept if seal is broken.

Keep out of the reach of children.

CAUTION: If you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or planning a surgery, consult your doctor before using this product.

General

Product No. 5600 07J14NL

General Statements

ESTABLISHED 1971

- Includes vegetable medley - Provides antioxidant support**

Our PLEDGE of INTEGRITY AUTHENTICITY - CLEANLINESS - FRESHNESS CONSISTENCY - ACCURACY

YES RECYCLABLE PACKAGING YES MANUFACTURING SUPPORTS WIND POWER

PRODUCT OF USA

Formulation

Certified Gluten-Free

100% bovine gelatin, BSE-free.

YES CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE BY GFCO.ORG

NO YEAST, CORN OR WHEAT NO MILK, SALT OR SUGAR NO PRESERVATIVES NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS NO MAGNESIUM STEARATE

Formula

- Includes Lutein and Lycopene

Contains soy.

This complex contains d-salina (algae) and a vegetable medley of broccoli, pumpkin, and carrot seed, which makes this a naturally, rich source of beta-carotene and other carotenoids. Along with lutein and lycopene, this complex also provides antioxidant support.**

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Dietary Supplement

** 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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults take one (1) softgel daily with food.

Storage

Store between 59(0)-86(0) F.

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

See for yourself

Carotenoid Complex by Country Life label

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

Carotenoid Complex 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 Carotenoid Complex by Country Life

These are the 10 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule 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.

Pumpkin seed extract

Interacts with
1 drug
25 mg per serving

Pumpkin is a nutritious squash, and its seeds and seed oil are the parts most often used as supplements, mainly for urinary and prostate symptoms. The...

Pumpkin seed extract monograph & interactions

Carrot Seed Oil

No known
interactions
10 mg per serving

Carrot is a common food vegetable that is a rich source of beta-carotene (which the body turns into vitamin A) and other nutrients. Eating carrots is...

Carrot Seed Oil monograph & interactions

Vitamin A

Interacts with
387 drugs
25000 IU per serving Form: Beta-Carotene

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplemen...

Vitamin A monograph & interactions

Broccoli extract

Interacts with
187 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Sulforaphane

Broccoli is a nutritious cruciferous vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds like sulforaphane that have drawn scientific interest for...

Broccoli extract monograph & interactions

Lycopene

Interacts with
122 drugs
3000 mcg per serving

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible hear...

Lycopene monograph & interactions

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
1000 mcg per serving

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

Alpha-Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
1000 mcg 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...

Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Lutein

No known
interactions
5000 mcg per serving Form: Marigold

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
305 mcg per serving Form: Marigold

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

Alpha-Carotene

286 mcg per serving Form: D-salina

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Beeswax, Safflower Oil, Carob color, Purified Water, Annatto color, Safflower Oil. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Carotenoid Complex by Country Life Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Carotenoid Complex?

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
1,123Drugs
9 Major 1,114 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Astaxanthin 671
Vitamin A 387
Alpha-Lipoic Acid 263
Broccoli extract 187
Lycopene 122

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Carotenoid Complex interact with 1,123 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

7 of the 10 ingredients in Carotenoid Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin Vitamin A Alpha-Lipoic Acid Broccoli extract Lycopene Zeaxanthin Pumpkin seed extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Carotenoid Complex 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.

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
Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions

Vitamin A4 drug types · 387 drugs

Retinoids

Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, could have additive toxic effects when taken with vitamin A supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is the highest level of intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Doses of vitamin A above the UL can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from elevated liver enzymes to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking tetracycline antibiotics with high doses of vitamin A can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri.
Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) can occur with tetracyclines and with acute or chronic vitamin A toxicity. Case reports suggest that taking tetracyclines and vitamin A concurrently can increase the risk of this condition. Avoid high doses of vitamin A in people taking tetracyclines chronically.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, high doses of vitamin A could increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Vitamin A toxicity is associated with hemorrhage and hypoprothrombinemia, possibly due to vitamin K antagonism. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid doses of vitamin A above the tolerable upper intake level of 10,000 IU/day for adults.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Vitamin A full monograph & interactions

Alpha-Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Alpha-Lipoic Acid full monograph & interactions

Broccoli extract2 drug types · 187 drugs

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, broccoli might reduce the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that eating 500 grams of fresh broccoli daily for 6-12 days can increase CYP1A2 activity by 10% to 200%. Induction of CYP1A2 activity by broccoli is attributed to its glucosinolate constituents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2A6 (Cyp2A6) Substrates

Theoretically, broccoli might reduce the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2A6.
Pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that eating 500 grams of broccoli daily for 6 days increases CYP2A6 activity by 135% to 550%. Induction of CYP2A6 activity is attributed to its glucosinolate constituents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Broccoli extract full monograph & interactions

Lycopene1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research shows that lycopene has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lycopene 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

Pumpkin seed extract1 drug type · 1 drug

Lithium

Pumpkin might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Pumpkin is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Pumpkin seed extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Carotenoid Complex, from the product label.

Country Life

See all Country Life products
Name
Country Life, LLC
Street Address
180 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788
Web Address
CountryLifeVitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Carotenoid Complex by Country Life: Common Questions

Does Carotenoid Complex by Country Life interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Carotenoid Complex has a known interaction with 1,123 medications, including 9 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Carotenoid Complex contains 10 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 it safe to take this while I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough reliable safety data for several ingredients here — vitamin A at high doses is actually linked to birth defects, alpha-lipoic acid and astaxanthin lack safety data, and lycopene supplements are not well studied. Most food sources of these nutrients are fine, but concentrated supplements warrant a conversation with your doctor before use.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
Concentrated supplements of pumpkin seed, carrot, broccoli, and lycopene aren't well studied while breastfeeding. Alpha-lipoic acid and astaxanthin should be avoided. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin A at recommended doses are likely safe, but run your specific situation by your pharmacist or doctor.
What's vitamin A in this product actually for?
Vitamin A supports vision, skin, and immune health. In this blend it's effective for vitamin A deficiency and possibly effective for conditions like aging skin and measles. Just remember — high doses are toxic because it builds up in your body, so don't exceed the recommended upper limit of 10,000 IU daily.
Does this actually help with eye health?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are both possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration, and lutein is also possibly effective for cataracts. Those two ingredients have the strongest eye-related evidence. The other carotenoids haven't been established as effective for specific eye conditions.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people tolerate these ingredients well. The most common mild effects are digestive — nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, or heartburn. Some users report headache. Red-colored stool has been reported with astaxanthin. Serious adverse effects are rare but can occur with very high doses of certain ingredients.
Can I take this with my diabetes medication?
Alpha-lipoic acid, zeaxanthin, and antidiabetes drugs together may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you're on insulin or other diabetes meds, talk to your pharmacist before adding this product — your blood sugar will need monitoring.

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

Not sure if Carotenoid Complex is safe with your meds?

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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.

Carotenoid Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Carotenoid Complex’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Pumpkin

Interacts with 1 drug

Pumpkin is a nutritious squash, and its seeds and seed oil are the parts most often used as supplements, mainly for urinary and prostate symptoms. The evidence for these uses is limited and...

Read the full Pumpkin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Carrot

Carrot is a common food vegetable that is a rich source of beta-carotene (which the body turns into vitamin A) and other nutrients. Eating carrots is safe and nutritious for most people, but...

Read the full Carrot monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin A

Interacts with 387 drugs

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplements are mainly useful for correcting a tr...

Read the full Vitamin A monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Broccoli

Interacts with 187 drugs

Broccoli is a nutritious cruciferous vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and plant compounds like sulforaphane that have drawn scientific interest for health benefits. Eating broccoli as food...

Read the full Broccoli monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lycopene

Interacts with 122 drugs

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible heart and prostate benefits, but evidence fr...

Read the full Lycopene monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Alpha-lipoic Acid

Interacts with 263 drugs

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain, where some evidence suggests it may help...

Read the full Alpha-lipoic Acid 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

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

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

Carotenoid Complex'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 122 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.

Pumpkin 5 references
  1. Marks L, Partin AW, Epstein JI, et al. Effects of a saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol 2000;163:1451-6. DOI
  2. Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:549721. PubMed
  3. Vahlensieck W, Theurer C, Pfitzer E, Patz B, Banik N, Engelmann U. Effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in the one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled GRANU study. Urol Int 2015;94(3):286-95 PubMed
  4. Assouly P. Hair loss associated with cucurbit poisoning. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 May 1;154(5):617-618. PubMed
  5. Gawryjolek J, Ludwig H, Zbikowska-Götz M, Bartuzi Z, Krogulska A. Anaphylaxis after consumption of pumpkin seeds in a 2-y-old child tolerant to its pulp: A case study. Nutrition 2021;89:111272. PubMed

See these in context on the Pumpkin monograph →

Carrot 14 references
  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
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Vitamin A 31 references
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Broccoli 5 references
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Lycopene 10 references
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Alpha-lipoic Acid 48 references
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  36. Kim BJ, Hunter A, Brucker AJ, et al. Orally administered alpha lipoic acid as a treatment for geographic atrophy: A randomized clinical trial. Ophthalmol Retina. 2020;4(9):889-898. PubMed
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  38. Sun Y, Guan X, Wang H, et al. Randomized clinical trial of combined therapy with oral a-lipoic acid and NB-UVB for nonsegmental stable vitiligo. Dermatol Ther. 2021;34(1):e14610.
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  47. Velasco-Amador JP, Prados-Carmona Á, Navarro-Triviño FJ. Contact urticaria syndrome caused by alpha-lipoic acid in a master formula for vulvar lichen sclerosus. Contact Dermatitis 2023;89(2):136-137. PubMed
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Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

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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

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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

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