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Dietary supplement

Lutein 20 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Whitaker

Lutein 20 mg label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Lutein 20 mg 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

Lutein 20 mg is a dietary supplement by Dr. Whitaker 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 Isomers. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Lutein 20 mg by Dr. Whitaker

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Lutein 20 mg by Dr. Whitaker — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lutein 20 mg by Dr. Whitaker

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 Aug 20, 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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This softgel contains two active ingredients: lutein and zeaxanthin isomers. Both are carotenoids — natural pigments found in plants and in your eyes — and they're included because they concentrate in the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision.

The supplement also contains inactive ingredients (sunflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, purified water, annatto, and titanium dioxide) that help deliver and stabilize the actives.

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 eye and macular health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Central serous retinopathy, Choroideremia, Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 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, but the evidence doesn't support its use for retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or necrotizing enterocolitis. Zeaxanthin is also possibly effective for AMD.

For other conditions listed in the data — cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, asthma, breast cancer, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia — the evidence for zeaxanthin is too limited to rate. If you're taking this for eye health, the strongest case is for AMD and cataracts, but talk with your doctor about whether this supplement fits your situation.

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 this dose (20 mg daily) is generally well tolerated, and no adverse effects have been reported in trials at this level. Zeaxanthin is also generally well tolerated at typical supplement amounts.

Both ingredients are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. That said, while lutein is naturally in breast milk and food sources are fine, there isn't enough data on higher supplement doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding — so if you're pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.

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 — insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, or others — check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Zeaxanthin may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar (Moderate severity).

No other medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check.

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 is a straightforward lutein-and-zeaxanthin supplement aimed at eye health, particularly for AMD and cataracts. If you take diabetes medication, you'll want to discuss it with your doctor first because zeaxanthin might theoretically lower your blood sugar.

If you're pregnant, nursing, or taking any regular medications, run it by your pharmacist or doctor before you start.

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 Jun 25, 2018.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Whitaker
Barcode (UPC) 678829213453
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2018
DSLD ID 178476
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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 by Dr. Whitaker, 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
678829213453
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutein20 mg--
Zeaxanthin Isomers4 mg--

Other ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, purified Water, Annatto, Titanium Dioxide

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.
General Statements

Unconditionally guaranteed for purity and labeled potency.

Clinical grade

Almost out? Call 1-800-722-8008 or visit drwhitaker.com Choose autodelivery, get free shipping forever

Storage

To preserve quality and freshness, store bottle with cap tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Lutemax 2020 is a registered trademark of OmniActives Health Technologies, Ltd.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formula

Research levels of Lutein to support eye and macular health

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Doctor’s Suggested Use: Take 1 softgel once or twice daily with a meal.

Precautions

Note: Pregnant or lactating women should consult a health care professional before taking this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Seals/Symbols

GF Gluten free

Formulation

GF Gluten free

General

SKU: CGL 02 G11000, 2017 R-1

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

See for yourself

Lutein 20 mg by Dr. Whitaker label

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

Lutein 20 mg 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 Lutein 20 mg by Dr. Whitaker

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule 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: 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 Isomers

Interacts with
86 drugs
4 mg per serving Form: Marigold, Meso-Zeaxanthin

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 Isomers monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Purified Water, Annatto, Titanium Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lutein 20 mg by Dr. Whitaker Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Lutein 20 mg?

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

Zeaxanthin Isomers 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Lutein 20 mg interact with 86 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Lutein 20 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Zeaxanthin Isomers

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Lutein 20 mg 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.

Zeaxanthin Isomers1 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 Isomers full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Dr. Whitaker

See all Dr. Whitaker products
Name
Healthy Directions
City
Bethesda
State
MD
ZipCode
20817
Phone Number
1-800-722-8008
Web Address
healthydirections.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lutein 20 mg by Dr. Whitaker: Common Questions

Does Lutein 20 mg by Dr. Whitaker interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Lutein 20 mg 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 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.
Does this supplement work for presbyopia or blurry vision in general?
The data we have shows lutein and zeaxanthin are possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts specifically. The evidence doesn't cover presbyopia or general blurry vision, so we can't say whether this product would help with those. Your eye doctor can tell you if this might be right for your particular vision concern.
Are there any side effects from taking lutein?
Lutein at 20 mg daily is generally well tolerated and has not caused adverse effects in trials. Zeaxanthin is also well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Neither ingredient commonly triggers side effects at these levels.
Is it safe to take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both lutein and zeaxanthin are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. However, because most of the safety data comes from food sources rather than concentrated supplements, there isn't enough study of higher supplement doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing.
What's the difference between lutein and zeaxanthin?
Both are carotenoids that concentrate in your eye, particularly in the macula — the part you use for sharp, central vision. They work together to filter harmful light and protect eye cells. The supplement includes both because they're thought to work best in combination for eye health.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medication?
No interactions are documented between this product and blood pressure medications. That said, if you take diabetes medication, zeaxanthin may theoretically affect blood sugar — so mention this supplement to your doctor or pharmacist when you refill your prescriptions, just to be safe.

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

Not sure if Lutein 20 mg 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.

Lutein 20 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lutein 20 mg’s Ingredients

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

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

Lutein 20 mg'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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